Acting Mayor Kim Janey held a press conference on November 5, where she spoke about the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5-11, and provided some information about COVID in Boston.
“Our citywide positivity rate has remained relatively stable these past few weeks,” Janey said, adding that as of October 26, the positive test rate was 2.1 percent, which “remains below the threshold of concern on each of our public health COVID metrics.”
Janey also said that outreach to communities of color has shown positive feedback, with vaccination rates among the Latinx population up 26 percent and among the Black population, up 29 percent since mid-April. Additionally, more than 73 percent of Boston residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
With recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages five to 11, Janey spoke about how Boston is working to get shots in arms of elementary school students.
She said that the City is “working with community partners, health centers, and out schools to ensure that our students and families are safe, informed, and have access to the vaccine.”
There will be clinics offered in Mattapan, Dorchester, Hyde Park, and Roslindale, Janey said—neighborhoods with the lowest vaccination rates citywide. Vaccines for kids, as well as first and second doses for adults and booster shots, will also be available at pharmacies, community health centers, and hospitals.
Janey also said that there will be an “Ask a Doctor” information session offered by the Boston Public Schools on November 15 at 6:30pm.
“I encourage families to join this session to learn more about why vaccinations are important, and to ask any questions they may have,” Janey said. “The vaccine is the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
Janey urged residents to continue getting tested, and announced that an additional $500,000 will be invested in equity coalitions to continue vaccine outreach in communities of color.
Janey also encouraged all residents, especially seniors, to get their flu shots, as “some experts are concerned about a worse, more severe flu season this year,” she said.