UMass Amherst partners with state to establish COVID-19 vaccination site in western Massachusetts for first responders, college health staff

As part of Gov. Charlie Baker’s plan to begin statewide vaccinations to deter the spread of COVID-19, the University of Massachusetts Amherst will establish a vaccine clinic for Massachusetts first responders as well as college health staff starting the week of Jan. 11, 2021.

Individuals eligible to get vaccinated under state guidelines include police, fire and emergency medical services professionals, who will need to show a professional ID or license confirming their status. All first responders in Massachusetts are eligible to schedule an online appointment in advance and come to UMass Amherst to receive the vaccine. Online registration will begin by Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. For details, visit www.umass.edu/coronavirus/vaccine.

In addition to first responders, the vaccine clinic is also open to eligible college health staff, which include clinical and non-clinical health care workers doing direct and COVID-facing care. College health staff will be required to bring one of the following forms of ID:

  • Employer-issued photo ID card, including name and title
  • Letter from employer confirming employment and that duties include doing direct and COVID-facing care
  • State license or photo identification

Plans developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health call for distribution of the Moderna vaccine, which includes two doses administered 28 days apart.

The clinic will be conducted at the UMass Amherst Campus Center, 1 Campus Center Way. Free parking will be available at the nearby Campus Center Parking Garage.

Vaccination Schedule

All eligible individuals must register in advance for the two-dose vaccine at www.umass.edu/coronavirus/vaccine.

First Dose Schedule
Monday, Jan. 11, 2-7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 12, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2-7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Second Dose Schedule
Monday, Feb. 8, 2-7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2-7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

As determined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, this is the first phase of vaccine distribution, focused on first responders. As the state makes decisions about further distribution of the vaccine, the university stands ready to support those efforts.