The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) has vaccinated more than 1,300 community members at its weekly COVID-19 vaccination clinics since June of 2021. The health and social services organization has been promoting the clinics at its offices and other key community locations such as churches, community centers, and social clubs, in partnership with Health Innovations, Inc and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

The clinics are offered in Portuguese, Spanish and English, and are a crucial resource for many immigrants seeking vaccines and reliable information about COVID-19 in their native language.

“We are proud that MAPS has been able to provide this essential service to our communities,” said Alirio Pereira, MA, Director of the MAPS COVID-19 Vaccination initiative. “The recent rise in new infections and the high transmission rate of the omicron variant have shown us the importance of protecting ourselves and those around us from serious illness by getting vaccinated and receiving booster doses as soon as possible at MAPS or any other provider.”

MAPS continues to offer first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as booster shots of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson at its weekly clinics. Appointments are not required, but community members looking to receive second doses or booster shots should bring their vaccination cards when available.

With appointments for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters filling up quickly at many major providers, many community members have expressed their gratitude for being able to get vaccinated at the MAPS clinics.

“I was relieved when I saw that MAPS was offering regular clinics close to my house and in Portuguese,” said Livia Santos, a Brazilian MAPS client living in Allston. “I went to a MAPS clinic in Cambridge after work and the service was great! I got my booster shot in 10 minutes.”

The next MAPS COVID-19 vaccination clinic is taking place on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at the New Life Church in Framingham (73 Union Ave) from 3 pm to 7 pm. On Sunday, January 23, the clinic will take place at the TDM Church in Malden (539 Salem St) from 10 am to 2 pm. On Monday, January 24, MAPS will offer vaccines at its Brighton office (697 Cambridge St, Suite 203) from 2 pm to 6 pm. On Thursday, January 27, MAPS will host the clinic at its Lowell office (490 Central St) from 2 pm to 6 pm, and on Saturday, January 29, the vaccination clinic will take place at the MAPS Framingham office (24 Union Ave) from 3 pm to 7 pm. To access the full schedule of the MAPS vaccination clinics, please visit maps-inc.org/community-calendar.

In addition to vaccinating thousands in the community, MAPS has also created a free COVID-19 Hotline (888-509-7788) where community members can call to schedule their vaccines and get information and resources related to the pandemic. For more information, please access maps-inc.org/coronavirus.