By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – On Feb. 5 the town of Shrewsbury issued a press release acknowledging that the “roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine has been slow and at times confusing” but urged residents to be patient while assuring that “we will all have the opportunity to get vaccinated!”
As of Feb. 1, the commonwealth moved to Phase 2, Step 1. Individuals 75 years of age and older are now eligible to receive the vaccine.
Why Shrewsbury doesn’t have its own vaccine distribution location
According to the press release, “Shrewsbury is part of the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance (CMRPHA) and receives shared public health services through the City of Worcester’s Division of Public Health (WDPH).”
As such, the WDPH is coordinating the vaccine and is the primary regional municipal sponsored vaccination site for those eligible. That site is currently located at the Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St.
“Shrewsbury will receive a dedicated allotment of appointments at this location to help ensure a representative amount of vaccinations are provided to our eligible residents in the appropriate vaccine phases,” the press release stated. “When appointments are available, we will communicate that to residents.”
The press release noted that if Shrewsbury were to take this on alone it would only receive 100 vaccine doses per week given the current limited supply. However, through their relationship with the CMRPHA, they can leverage a larger allotment capped at 975 vaccines per week, which is primarily the Pfizer vaccine.
Current vaccination locations-
Shrewsbury specific clinics will be offered at the Worcester Senior Center for eligible and phase specific individuals. As vaccine becomes available, residents will have a number of options to access the vaccine.
Currently, Shrewsbury Price Chopper and Wegmans in Northborough, are listed as COVID-19 vaccination locations on the state’s vaccine landing page which can be accessed at www.mass.gov.
Assistance for seniors
As of Feb. 5 a Massachusetts Call Center has been established to assist seniors 75 and older in navigating the commonwealth’s online appointment system. Call 2-1-1 and follow the prompts to reach the Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shrewsbury seniors can contact the Council on Aging who will assist them through this process. Contact 508-841-8640, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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