Reopening Update: State Announces Employer Vaccination Program
The Baker-Polito Administration has unveiled the Commonwealth’s Employer Vaccination Program, which will allow Massachusetts employers options to vaccinate their employees. Detailed information on this program can be found at www.mass.gov/EmployerVaccine. This webpage includes a link to a form that employers should submit to request appointments. There is no financial cost to the employer.

There are two main options for employers:

Option 1: Group Appointments at Mass Vaccination Sites

This is the quickest and easiest option. Appointments will be scheduled starting Monday, May 17th, 2021. Employers can request a block of appointments at any of the Commonwealth’s seven mass vaccination sites.

Employers can help register employees for their appointments or the Commonwealth will provide an employer with links to share with employees so they can sign up during the block of appointments. The minimum number of appointments required is 10, and there is no maximum limit.

Registration requires simple demographic information; insurance and identification are not required at the time of registration or appointment, if not available. Employers can set up a table or kiosk onsite to have an onsite presence for employees which can be coordinated with the site operator after submitting a request.

Most vaccination appointments take less than 30 minutes, including the 15-minute observation period. Employers can request a block of appointments for their employees to be vaccinated on a specific day/time. Employers or employees will be responsible for transportation to and from the vaccination site.

Sites are available 7 days per week, while hours vary by site and day. Extensive accessibility accommodations are available and additional special accommodations may be made available upon request (e.g., interpreters). This option will be available through June 30th, 2021, with first dose appointments available through June 11th, 2021.

For more information on how to book group appointments and to submit an official request form, visit the employer vaccination page at mass.gov/employervaccine. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Option 2: Mobile On-Site Employer Vaccination Clinic

Employers who have confirmed that 35 or more employees will obtain a vaccination at the employer pop-up clinic may request a mobile, on-site vaccination clinic. A vaccination provider will come on-site to the employer host property to vaccinate individuals, and return 3-4 weeks later to deliver 2nd doses. Employers must survey employees and confirm participation prior to requesting a clinic.

In order to schedule an on-site clinic, employers will need to provide:
  • Address of employer and contact person
  • Number of employees who have confirmed that they will receive the vaccination
  • Space for vaccination clinic (inside, outside) and any additional details
  • Type of appointment registration (i.e., ahead of clinic, day-of), prior registration preferred
  • Requested date and time

Employer clinics will be scheduled and prioritized based upon the number of individuals getting vaccinated and the location of the clinic. Employers located in communities with vaccination rates below the state average will be prioritized. On-site clinics will begin as soon as Monday, May 17th, 2021.

All details on employer vaccinations options and requirements can be found at www.mass.gov/employervaccine.

Employers are encouraged to remind their employees of the importance of getting vaccinated. General vaccination information and appointment scheduling is available online at www.mass.gov/covidvaccine.
Upcoming Partnership Events

All Partnership events and committee meetings are being held virtually, via Zoom, at present. Committee meetings are open to all interested persons with advance registration.

  • Climate Legislation Presentation with Secretary Theoharides: The Water Resources and Energy and Sustainable Development Committees of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will host a special presentation from Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen A. Theoharides on An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy, major climate legislation signed into law earlier this year. The event will take place virtually on Tuesday, May 18th at 9:00 AM via Zoom; the presentation will be followed by a Question and Answer period. Click here to register for this event.

  • Housing Committee, Submarkets Presentation and Discussion: The Housing Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership invites you to a presentation and discussion with MAPC focused on their Housing Submarkets study, and submarket-specific strategies to create more affordable housing. This event will take place virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, June 9th from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Presenting on behalf of MAPC will be Karina Oliver-Milchman, AICP, Chief of Housing & Neighborhood Development, and Jessie Partridge Guerrero, Research Manager. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A period, as well as a discussion. Click here to register for this event.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you:
Jason Palitsch, Executive Director
(774) 760-0495 x105

Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.