COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals with certain medical conditions

The CDC has defined the list of conditions that cause individuals to be at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Massachusetts has also identified moderate to severe asthma as an eligible medical condition.

Phase 2 groups:

• Individuals 16 and older with two or more of certain medical conditions (defined below) are in Group 2 of Phase 2. This group will be eligible to receive the vaccine beginning February 18th.
• Individuals 16 and older with one of these certain medical conditions are in Group 4 of Phase 2. This group is not yet eligible.

Phase 2 eligible conditions:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Down Syndrome
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant*
• Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
  • Calculate your BMI here: Adult BMI Calculator | CDC
• Pregnancy**
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Asthma (moderate-to-severe)

Learn more from CDC: COVID-19: People with Certain Medical Conditions

*For this group, this does not include individuals who are immunocompromised due to other conditions, such as blood or bone marrow transplant or HIV

**If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and have questions around getting vaccinated, a discussion with your healthcare provider might help you make an informed decision. Learn more about vaccine safety and pregnancy.

You will not need copies of medical records or a note from your doctor or health care provider to confirm you are eligible for these groups.

At this time, individuals 16 and older with two or more of certain medical conditions are eligible to receive the vaccine beginning February 18. Because vaccine supply is very limited, it may take several weeks or more to schedule an appointment. 

When you are eligible:

Step 1: Find a location and book your appointment.

• Individuals without access to the internet or who are unable to schedule their appointment online can call toll free 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 for assistance.

Step 2: Learn how to prepare for your appointment and what you need to bring with you.

You will never be asked for a credit card number to make an appointment.

Download an overview: COVID-19 Vaccine Overview for Individuals with Two or More of Certain Health Conditions PDF | Doc