Gift Cards To Be Offered At December 5 COVID Vaccine Clinic

The Massachusetts Vaccine Equity Initiative, in collaboration with the Amherst Health Department, is sponsoring a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Monday December 5, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Avenue. The clinic is open to everyone from age 6 months and up who needs a first vaccine or booster dose. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available, including the new Pfizer and Moderna bivalent boosters which offer protection from some of the Omicron variants.

The timing of the vaccine clinic will provide protection in time for the end-of-the-year holidays, because it takes about two weeks to develop a full immune response. As a special incentive, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will award a $75 gift card while supplies last, to Massachusetts residents only, who are vaccinated at the clinic.

There are 600 slots available at the clinic on December 5. Registration will soon be open through the Health Department, but walk-ins are welcome. The vaccine is free. No identification or insurance information is needed. For more information or questions, email health@amherstma.gov or call the department at 413-259-3077.

About 90% of Amherst residents are vaccinated against COVID-19. This clinic hopes to reach those who have not yet received their vaccine or who are due for a booster dose, that is, people whose previous dose was received at least two months ago.

The Board of Health recommends that all residents receive their annual influenza vaccine at their physicians’ offices or at local pharmacies.