WORCESTER, MA — With students home all week on mid-winter break, Worcester is taking advantage of the vacation to try to boost local COVID-19 vaccinations.
Starting Monday, the city will host a series of events with free food and giveaways for locals who get vaccinated or boosted. Some of the prizes include grocery store gift cards, movie passes and gift cards to local retailers like Eb Lens.
According to state data, only about 61 percent of Worcester residents have been fully vaccinated, and 35 percent have been boosted. Many of the state’s larger cities — including Springfield, Lowell, Fitchburg, New Bedford and Pittsfield — are also in the sub-70 percent vaccinated bucket.
Find out what’s happening in Worcester with free, real-time updates from Patch.
With local mask mandates ending — including soon in Worcester schools — health officials say inoculations are key to preventing another surge in cases. Two vaccine doses and a booster are extremely effective at preventing serious disease and death due to coronavirus, according to studies.
Here’s where you can get a shot this week in Worcester, and more:
Find out what’s happening in Worcester with free, real-time updates from Patch.
Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Central Community Branch YMCA, 766 Main St. Enter a raffle for a $500 cash prize. First vaccine doses only.
Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m.
Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts, 484 Main St. $25 Stop & Shop gift cards while supplies last and rewards from United Way Free food. First and second doses.
Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem St. $25 Stop & Shop gift cards. First and second doses.
Thursday, 2 to 6 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, 65 Boys & Girls Club Way. Raffle for a $150 EbLens gift card, plus $25 Stop and Shop gift cards and free food. First and second doses.
Friday, 2 to 5 p.m.
Girls Inc. of Worcester, 125 Providence St. Raffle for a $150 EbLens gift card, $25 Stop and Shop gift cards and free food. First and second doses.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Gala Foods, 664 Main St. Raffles for two Nintendo Switches and ten $40 movies passes, plus $25 gift card to Gala Foods and free food. All doses available.
The rules of replying:
- Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions. No racist, discriminatory, vulgar or threatening language will be tolerated.
- Be transparent. Use your real name, and back up your claims.
- Keep it local and relevant. Make sure your replies stay on topic.
- Review the Patch Community Guidelines.
