Getting Your Teen Vaccinated: Where to Find the Pfizer Vaccine

If your teenager hasn’t gotten their COVID-19 shot yet, now is the perfect time! More local sites have opened up and vaccine supply at doctors’ offices is increasing. 

People age 18 and older can get any vaccine, but teens age 12 to 17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine. Mass vaccination sites in Boston offer the Pfizer vaccine, as well as some Cambridge pharmacies, and the CHA Somerville, Medford, and Everett vaccination sites.

Though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization.

Walk-ins are now welcome at many sites, including the CHA Somerville site, CVS, and mass vaccination sites. 

If you are under 18, you will need parental consent to receive the vaccine. You can download the consent form here. Children age 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative.

Where children under age 18 can get vaccinated:

• Somerville (CHA Vaccine Center, 176 Somerville Ave.), Medford (Tufts University), and Everett (Encore Boston Harbor). These clinics are run by Cambridge Health Alliance, as part of the Metro North COVID-19 Vaccination Partnership. The clinics have a good supply of Pfizer vaccine and many open appointment slots. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. To register for an appointment, go here. 
  • Clinic hours for CHA Somerville Vaccine Center: Mondays–Fridays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.  In addition, there is a Saturday, May 15 clinic from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Cambridge pharmacies: Cambridge CVS,  Walgreens, and Star Market/Osco Pharmacy offer the Pfizer vaccine. CVS stores accept walk-ins, appointments are required at other pharmacies. For the most current information on which pharmacies have Pfizer vaccine available, go to Vaccines.gov. Currently, there is high demand for Pfizer at these locations and you may be directed to a pharmacy outside of Cambridge.  
• Mass Vaccination Sites in Boston:  Hynes Convention Center  and Reggie Lewis Center (Roxbury Community College).  Pfizer vaccine is available at both locations.
• To see all Massachusetts vaccine locations and make appointments, go to vaxfinder.mass.gov. 
• NO insurance, ID, or social security number needed. Teens and children may be asked for ID at some sites, but it is not required or mandatory. Teens age 16 and 17 will need to bring the signed consent form. Children age 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
• Getting a vaccine will NOT affect a public charge determination or immigration status.
• Call 2-1-1, the Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line, for help over the phone.