HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced this week the timeline for all remaining residents to be eligible for a vaccine.
Timelines for remaining groups include:
- March 22: Residents 60+ and certain work groups
- April 5: Residents 55 + and residents with at least one certain medical condition
- April 19: General public ages 16+
Officials from the 66th Medical Squadron here encourage Hanscom personnel to receive the vaccine through the state once eligible, as opposed to waiting to receive it through the installation. State eligibility doesn’t guarantee immediate vaccine appointment availability, but it might allow some people to receive vaccinations sooner than waiting to receive it on base.
While the incoming shipments of vaccines to the installation are steady, said Lt. Col. Ryan Gough, 66 MDS public health emergency officer, personnel may be eligible sooner via the commonwealth.
“We encourage everyone in our community to pursue their options through the state, especially those who are eager to receive the vaccine,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Gough, 66 MDS public health emergency officer.
Residents can preregister for an appointment at the mass vaccination site www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.
For active duty personnel who do receive the vaccine off base, Gough said they will need to retain proof of vaccination for both doses for Public Health’s records.
“We’re not discouraging anyone from receiving the vaccine; we just need to be able to track it,” he said.
Gough said anyone who still has questions about the vaccine should consult with their primary care physicians, or contact 66 MDS Public Health by emailing usaf.hanscom.66-abg.list.publichealth@mail.mil.
[Veterans Affairs] Bedford Healthcare System in Bedford, Massachusetts, expanded vaccine eligibility last month to all veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, regardless of age.
Additional COVID-related information for Hanscom can be found at www.Hanscom.af.mil/Coronavirus.