2.0 LMVRC Vaccination Information

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The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative (LMVRC) is a partnership between Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury to hold vaccination clinics in our communities and bring the vaccine closer to home. See below for dates and details on LMVRC clinics and other vaccine information. These clinics are open to all Massachusetts residents, and residents of neighboring states who work or study in Massachusetts.

The Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative clinics will end on Saturday, May 22nd. Below is the final schedule. We will finish all second doses currently on the schedule, and will no longer publish first dose appointment links. If we have extra doses / open space at our remaining clinics, we will offer first doses to those on the wait list, but will not be able to offer second doses. Anyone who comes in to our Pfizer clinics this month will be responsible for booking their own second dose appointments elsewhere. Signing up for the wait list does not guarantee a spot, but we’ll try to accommodate as many people as possible. ** For the Wait List, CLICK HERE**

If and when eligibility for ages 12-15 opens, we will re-evaluate our clinic schedule.

Nock Middle School

70 Low Street, Newburyport, MA 01950

Site Information
Follow signs for parking, enter through the gymnasium / Superintendent entrance near the skate park. The entire site is accessible. Wheelchairs are available on-site for those who need it.

Second Dose Appointments
Our clinics are ending on May 22nd. If you receive a first dose with us at our clinics on May 8th, 15th, 16th or 18th, we will not give you your second dose. You will be responsible for booking your own second dose appointment elsewhere.
 
Under 18
Anyone under the age of 18 is now required to have a signed consent form from a parent/guardian. Please make sure to bring it to your appointment. Copies will also be available at the clinics.

Upcoming Clinics

  • Saturday, May 8, 9AM - 5PM (Pfizer)
    • Second dose clinic
    • Sign up for the wait list for possible first doses - Please note that first doses given at this clinic do not come with a second dose appointment. You will be responsible for booking your own second dose appointment elsewhere.
  • Sunday, May 9 - NO CLINIC 
     
  • Saturday, May 15, 9AM - 3PM (Pfizer)
    • Second dose clinic
    • Sign up for the wait list for possible first doses - Please note that first doses given at this clinic do not come with a second dose appointment. You will be responsible for booking your own second dose appointment elsewhere.
  • Sunday, May 16, 9AM - 4:30PM (Pfizer)
    • Second dose clinic
    • Sign up for the wait list for possible first doses - Please note that first doses given at this clinic do not come with a second dose appointment. You will be responsible for booking your own second dose appointment elsewhere.
  •  Saturday, May 22, 9AM - 1:30PM (Pfizer) - *FINAL CLINIC*
    • Second dose clinic
    • Sign up for the wait list for possible first doses - Please note that first doses given at this clinic do not come with a second dose appointment. You will be responsible for booking your own second dose appointment elsewhere.

 

Book a Vaccination Appointment

  • Pre-registration is now available for mass vaccination locations (not regional sites or pharmacy locations)
  • Search for vaccination appointments on the State's Website
  • Residents can call 2-1-1 to make an appointment
    • On 2/10, Governor Baker announced that one caregiver can also get vaccinated with someone 75+. Please note: caregivers also need their own appointment and this is only available at the mass vax sites, and is only available for those accompanying someone 75+. 
  • Residents age 75+ who need transporation to a vaccination site in the Merrimack Valley Area can contact the MVRTA. Rides are $2 each way.

Seniors
Amesbury seniors can contact the Amesbury Council on Aging if you still need assistance booking an appointment. (978) 388-8138

Veterans
The VA New England is currently providing the vaccine at their Bedford clinic to Veterans that are enrolled in VA Healthcare regardless of age. Veterans may call their Vaccination Call Center at 781-687-4000 to make an appointment. If you are not enrolled in VA Healthcare, call the Amesbury VSO at (978) 388-8136 to enroll. 

Wait List 
If you are having a hard time getting an appointment, you can fill out this form for the opporunity to get a last-minute phone call on a clinic day to fill an open spot. If you fill out this form but then get yourself an appointment, please email thayerc@amesburyma.gov so Caitlin can remove you from the list.

Vaccine FAQ

How to I make an appointment to get the vaccine?

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two shots for the vaccine to work. You will need two appointments to receive the full vaccine. Johnson & Johnson is one shot.

How does the vaccine work?
The vaccine helps our body develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness. The mRNA vaccine contains material from the virus that causes COVID-19 and gives our cells instructions for how to make a harmless protein that is unique to the virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. Our bodies recognize that the protein should not be there and build T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight the virus that causes COVID-19 if we are infected in the future. Learn more on the CDC website.

How long does it take for the vaccine to work? 
It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines may not protect you for a week or two after your second shot.

What are the side effects of the vaccine? 
Some people report feeling pain or swelling in the arm where the shot is administered. Other side effects may include fever, chills, tiredness and headache. 

Do I have to pay for the vaccine?
The vaccine (medication) is free. You should not be asked to pay for the vaccine. The administration of the vaccine is covered by health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, you can not be turned away from receiving the vaccine.

If I've had COVID-19, should I still get the vaccine?
Yes, you should. Scientists still don't know how long immunity may last after having COVID-19.

Does the COVID-19 alter my DNA? 
No, the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine does not change or interact with your DNA in any way.

If I get the vaccine, do I still need to take COVID-19 health and safety precautions? 
Yes, you still need to wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands often. Scientists don't know if those who are vaccinated can carry and transmit the virus to others. We need 75-80% of our population to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity.

Watch our for fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines.
The Office of the Comptroller for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has put out information related to fraud and schemes surrouding the vaccines. Read about them and be cautious when someone contacts you related to the vaccines.