Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris announced that the Department of Health and Human Services no longer has the ability to supply free COVID-19 test kits to residents, after not receiving the same level of support from federal or state partners like in years past.
Over the past few months, the demand for resident test pick-up has significantly decreased; however, the Department of Health and Human Services anticipates that demand may rise again as respiratory illness season approaches this fall and winter. COVID-19 test kits can still be purchased over-the-counter at local pharmacies.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services is currently unable to provide or administer flu or COVID-19 vaccines this fall. The Department is directing residents to contact their primary care providers to schedule a flu or COVID-19 vaccinations, or to visit a local pharmacy, as vaccines are available at many.
Find pharmacies near you with the https://vaccinefinder.org/ website to locate nearby locations, and call ahead to confirm vaccine availability before visiting.
Lastly, The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has released its 2025-2026 vaccination guidance, which includes important information about COVID-19 and other vaccines. Full guidance can be found here: DPH recommended guidance for vaccines | Mass.gov . The DPH Commissioner has signed a standing order authorizing pharmacists in Massachusetts to give COVID-19 vaccines to any eligible individual who wants to be vaccinated.