No delay in MA vaccine shipment, while nation faces backlog

BOSTON — A day after Gov. Charlie Baker spoke of possibly needing the National Guard’s help to physically transport the state’s vaccine supply from southern states, the COVID-19 Command Center announced there would be no delay in the local vaccine supply of 135,000 doses.

In a statement, spokesperson Kate Reilly said the following:

“Governor Baker and the Command Center have been in constant communication with federal officials to rush vaccine shipments to Massachusetts. Today, 135,025 arrived to the Commonwealth and as a result, providers will not have to cancel appointments. The Administration appreciates the efforts made to get this critical shipment here and is not anticipating additional delays from the federal government for vaccine shipments at this time. Going forward, Governor Baker urges the federal government to provide larger shipments and more lead time for the state, so more eligible residents can get their shots as quickly and safely as possible.”

This comes as the federal government announced shipping delays across the country as a result of severe weather. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said most of the nation is three days behind schedule for shipments due to the weather, and there is a backlog of six million deliveries.

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