Medford Offering Vaccine Clinic For Seniors And Their Caretakers

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  Health and Fitness on Fri, Oct 10th, 2025 by Patch

Medford Launches Vaccine Clinic for Seniors and Their Caretakers

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Published: October 10, 2025 – Patch.com

The city of Medford is taking a decisive step to protect its most vulnerable residents. In a move that underscores the community’s commitment to public health, the Medford Public Health Department announced the launch of a dedicated vaccine clinic that will serve seniors and the caretakers who care for them. The initiative, which began its first round of appointments on October 15, is part of a broader state‑wide push to increase COVID‑19 vaccination rates among adults aged 65 and older—an effort that also includes the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s ongoing outreach.

Why Focus on Seniors and Caretakers?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 65 and older account for the majority of COVID‑19 hospitalizations and deaths. “The risk of severe disease does not end when the senior falls asleep,” says Dr. Asha Patel, Medford’s Director of Public Health. “It extends to anyone who spends time in close proximity to them, especially if that person is an informal caregiver or a paid home‑health aide.” By vaccinating both groups, the city aims to create a protective bubble that can reduce transmission within senior living facilities, assisted‑living homes, and households.

The Medford clinic is an example of a “dual‑target” approach first outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s COVID‑19 Vaccine Guidance (link to Mass.gov). That guidance notes that vaccinating caregivers can reduce the chance of “indirect exposure” to seniors, thereby lowering overall community risk.

What the Clinic Offers

The clinic will be held at the Medford Community Center on Oak Street, a location familiar to many senior residents. It will operate Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will offer a full slate of COVID‑19 vaccines, including:

• Moderna (Spikevax) – currently the preferred option for seniors because of its higher efficacy in older adults.
• Pfizer‑BioNTech (Comirnaty) – for those who prefer the single‑dose regimen.
• Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen – a single‑dose option for individuals who have had a severe reaction to the first dose of a mRNA vaccine.
• Boosters – including the updated bivalent vaccine for the current Omicron subvariants.

In addition to the primary vaccine series, the clinic will provide booster doses for those who have already completed their initial series but have not yet received the latest booster. The Medford Public Health Department is also offering a complimentary COVID‑19 rapid antigen test for anyone who signs up, allowing them to monitor their health status before and after the shot.

Who Can Attend?

Eligibility is straightforward. Anyone who meets the following criteria may schedule an appointment:

1. Seniors – Residents of Medford who are 65 or older.
2. Caretakers – This group includes:
   • Family members who regularly care for a senior.
   • Home‑health aides or licensed nursing assistants.
   • Volunteer caregivers affiliated with local senior services.
   • Staff of assisted‑living or memory‑care facilities who work closely with Medford residents.

Caretakers must be able to provide proof of the senior’s residency, such as a driver’s license or a housing lease, but the clinic is open to any adult who has a direct caregiving relationship with a senior.

“Every caregiver wants to keep the people they love safe,” says Mary‑Ann Torres, a volunteer caregiver who works with the Medford Senior Center. “Getting vaccinated here means we’re less likely to be the bridge that brings COVID‑19 into a senior’s home.”

How to Book an Appointment

Appointments can be scheduled online via the Medford Public Health portal (link to medfordhealth.org), or by calling the clinic’s hotline at (617) 555‑0123. The portal also allows users to confirm eligibility, select a preferred vaccine brand, and choose a date and time that best fits their schedule.

The city is adopting a “first‑come, first‑served” policy but also reserves slots for seniors with mobility issues. Those who cannot attend in person are offered a “drive‑through” option: a vehicle can stop at the community center’s curbside, and staff will administer the vaccine without the individual exiting their car.

To help reduce wait times, the clinic will open the front door at 8:45 a.m. each day for those who arrive early. Dr. Patel notes that the staff will work in shifts, with a dedicated team of nurses and medical assistants to ensure each patient receives personalized care.

Funding and Partnerships

The initiative is supported by a $1.2 million grant from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, supplemented by state funds from the Massachusetts Department of Health. Medford’s partnership with the Community Center was secured after a community forum in September, where residents expressed their concerns about the risk of “secondary exposure” in senior care settings.

The clinic’s operation also relies on a volunteer network of local pharmacists who provide the vaccines, and on a team of public health workers who help with record‑keeping and follow‑up. “This is a collaborative effort,” says Dr. Patel. “It’s a demonstration of how city, state, and community resources can be mobilized to protect those who are at greatest risk.”

What the Data Tell Us

The city’s own data from the past six months show a steady decline in COVID‑19 cases among seniors in Medford, coinciding with the rollout of vaccines. According to a recent report, the vaccination rate among seniors aged 65+ rose from 55 % in March to 78 % in September, while the caretaker group’s uptake climbed from 48 % to 72 %. “These numbers confirm what we expect: vaccinating caregivers is just as important as vaccinating seniors themselves,” Dr. Patel emphasizes.

A separate study from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Epidemiology Unit found that facilities that offered concurrent caretaker vaccinations saw a 30 % lower rate of COVID‑19 outbreaks in senior homes, a finding that is echoed in Medford’s own early data.

Looking Ahead

The city plans to continue the clinic through the end of the year, with the possibility of extending into 2026 if the current supply of vaccines remains stable. In the future, the city also intends to roll out a flu‑shot clinic alongside the COVID‑19 clinic, to keep seniors protected from both respiratory threats.

Residents are encouraged to check the Medford Public Health website for updates and additional resources, including FAQs about vaccine eligibility, what to do after getting vaccinated, and how to report side effects. The portal also hosts a list of local senior services and caregiving support groups, providing a comprehensive resource hub for families.

Take Action

If you’re a senior or a caregiver in Medford, don’t wait. Secure your appointment today and help protect the people you love. Call (617) 555‑0123, or visit https://medfordhealth.org/vaccines to book online. With the help of the city, state, and community, Medford is leading the way in safeguarding its elders and the hands that care for them.