State nears 1 million vaccinations administered

BOSTON — Nearly a million doses of vaccine have been administered in the state. The rollout is beginning to pick up steam but some critics say there are still a lot of problems. One issue is a clear policy on how to handle the last-minute extra doses.

Officially, Governor Charlie Baker says someone has to be eligible and have an appointment to get their vaccine. When the clock starts ticking on these precious doses there have been situations where people in the right place at the right time get vaccinated.

74,000 new vaccination appointments available to book Thursday in Mass.

“We don’t believe there should be sorts of a cattle call at the end of the day. People need to manage their dosing and their vaccine,” said Governor Baker.

On Wednesday, a long line started to form at the mass vaccination site in Danvers after a rumor about extra doses started spreading. There were extra doses but the site told us they filled the openings with people who had future appointments.

“The only word that should get out is you have an appointment. This other stuff is completely inconsistent with our policy and the most important thing people need to understand you should have an appointment,” said Baker.

The state’s new vaccine companion program rolled out Thursday, allowing someone 75 and over to be accompanied by a trusted companion, regardless of their age, and both get vaccinated. It did not take long for ads to post on Craigslist offering money to seniors in exchange for letting them help so they could be vaccinated, too.

People are already posting offers on Craigslist to give someone 75+ a ride to a mass vaccine site so they can get their shot too. Some are even offering money. @MLSudders put out the plea yesterday for 75+ to only take a trusted companion. pic.twitter.com/4W7ICBu9wi
— Robert Goulston (@rgoulston) February 11, 2021

People accompanying residents 75+ to vaccine appointments can get their shot, too

Baker called it disturbing.

“If you are 75 years or older and you need assistant going through the vaccination process you should only reach out to someone you know or trust to bring you as a companion,” he said.

The companion program is only for those large mass sites. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts announced that they are fronting a million dollars to pay for rides for people trying to get to their appointments. Especially in the hardest-hit communities of color.

.@MassGovernor says as of Monday night 910,412 doses administered if the 1’2 million sent here. There will be 7 mass sites by the middle of the month. The two new ones are in Natick at the mall and Dartmouth at an old Circuit City site. pic.twitter.com/BXOrlWLr5X
— Robert Goulston (@rgoulston) February 10, 2021