Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine Resources

To answer questions you may have about COVID-19 vaccines and the latest developments both nationally and locally, we have put together a list of resources below from reputable organizations that can provide you with up-to-date information.  This post was last updated on Thursday, March 30, 2023.

For general COVID-19 resources, please refer to the BPL’s earlier Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources blog post. The BPL also has separate posts on help for small businesses during this time, unemployment resources, and mutual aid organizations.  

State and Local Websites and Resources 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts put together a COVID-19 vaccine distribution and schedule that prioritizes our most at-risk residents. And the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is overseeing the distribution. The City of Boston continues to work with our federal, state, and health care partners to ensure widespread access to vaccination when available.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters in Massachusetts. The above website includes:  

• COVID-19 vaccination locations
• Information about COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth
• Mobile and in-home vaccination services
• COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions, available in 13 languages
• Information on how to access Massachusetts Vaccination Records
• Latest COVID-19 vaccine updates in Massachusetts 
• Sign up option for Massachusetts COVID-19 and vaccine alerts 

The City of Boston

The City of Boston website provides up-to-date information from the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) about the COVID-19 vaccine for Boston residents. The website is updated as information becomes available and includes:

• Map of vaccine sites in Boston
• Vaccination reports
• Answers to common questions about the COVID-19 vaccine availability, effectiveness and safety 
• Assistance for eligible seniors who need help booking an appointment
  • Eligible seniors who qualify for the vaccine and who need help with online registration should call 3-1-1 for help. Ask to be connected to the Age Strong Commission for vaccine registration assistance. Eligible Massachusetts residents can also call 2-1-1 if they need help for registration. 
• Sign up option for COVID-19 text alerts from the City of Boston - available in 11 different languages

Additional Local Resources 

• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides information and an FAQ about vaccines for cancer patients and survivors  
• Boston Children’s Hospital provides information about COVID-19 vaccinations for children and teens
• The Boston Medical Center provides a 3-minute video explaining how the COVID-19 vaccine works. This video is translated in Español, Português, Kreyòl ayisyen, Kabuverdianu.

Information on COVID-19 Vaccines 

Centers of Disease Control (CDC) 

The CDC is a federal public health institute of the United States. This website is updated on an ongoing basis and offers current information about the COVID-19 vaccine including:  

• Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccination 
• What To Expect at Your COVID-19 vaccination visit 
• Resources in Español, 简体中文, opens a new window, Tiếng Việt, 한국어, other languages

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 

The FDA is a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for ensuring vaccines are safe and effective. The above website offers: 

• A list of authorized COVID-19 vaccines 
• The latest FDA COVID-19 Vaccine News and Updates 
• Explanations of the vaccine development process 

Johns Hopkins University & Medicine 

Johns Hopkins experts in global public health, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness have been directly involved in the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about: 

• COVID-19 vaccine insights, including a vaccine tracker, FAQs, latest news and reports, and more 
• An interactive explainer about vaccine research and development   
• COVID-19 vaccine guidelines (en español)

Vaccine Safety, Testing and Approval Processes 

Below are resources that provide explanations to how vaccines are tested to ensure safety and effectiveness.  

• Centers of Disease Control (CDC): Ensuring the Safety of Vaccines in the United States
• John Hopkins School of Public Health: "How does a vaccine go from an idea to a reality?"  
• Mayo Clinic: COVID-19 Vaccine Myths Debunked 
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): "¿Cómo se desarrolla una vacuna?" 
  

State and Local COVID-19 Resources

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health - daily updates on COVID-19 cases and related news in MA & MA reopening regulations and guidance
• City of Boston COVID-19 Information - includes Boston case numbers, health & testing information, and City of Boston reopening information

Please note, none of the above information is meant to replace advice from medical professionals. Please contact your health care provider for questions and concerns related to COVID-19.