The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) has recently begun offering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster vaccines to the community at bi-weekly clinics at its offices and other key community locations such as churches and social clubs, in partnership with Health Innovations, Inc.

MAPS will hold a COVID-19 booster clinic for eligible community members on Friday, November 19, 2021, at its office in Cambridge (1046 Cambridge St, Cambridge) from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. On Sunday, November 21, 2021, MAPS heads to the St. Peter’s Church Teen Center (311 Bowdoin St, Dorchester) from 12 pm to 3 pm.

The health and social services organization kickstarted the initiative by providing booster shots to many of the seniors who attend its Senior Center in Cambridge, and to some MAPS staff, on Thursday, November 4, 2021. The project is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

“I feel very privileged to be able to receive this booster shot and to make it available to our dear seniors,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director. “Getting vaccinated is the most effective way of preventing serious health problems resulting from the coronavirus, and we are very happy to contribute to the vaccination effort in our communities.”

For people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the following groups are now eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after the second dose: 65 years and older; residents of long-term care facilities; adults with high-risk health conditions (cancer; chronic heart, lung and kidney diseases; dementia; diabetes; Down syndrome; HIV/AIDS; obesity; pregnancy; organ transplants; and stroke); adults at-risk for exposure such as health care workers, teachers, grocery store employees; and adults who live in communal settings like prisons and shelters.

Booster shots are also recommended for those 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine two or more months ago. The health and social services nonprofit reminds the community that the CDC approved the mixing of different COVID-19 booster vaccines.

First and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will also be available at MAPS clinics, and previous registration is not required, although it is necessary to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card. Those getting the vaccine at MAPS will also receive a $25 gift card to local supermarkets. For a list of more clinics, please visit their website at www.maps-inc.org.