*VIDEO* Town of Norwood Administers Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine to First Responders, Continues to Schedule Clinics for Residents Age 75+

*Click here to watch the Town of Norwood’s first responder vaccination video.*

NORWOOD — General Manager Tony Mazzucco and Superintendent of Public Health Sigalle Reiss are pleased to announce that the Town of Norwood is concluding second dose COVID-19 vaccinations for first responders this week and is continuing to schedule local clinics for Norwood seniors age 75 and older.

“Because of the nature of first responders’ work, I think it’s really imperative that we get ourselves vaccinated and protected so that we can protect ourselves, our families and the community members we come into contact with,” Police Chief William Brooks said. “I hope that by being earlier in the vaccination process, we are in some way able to set an example for the public who will look to public safety personnel and feel that it’s safe for them to get the vaccine, too.”

A series of clinics were held in early January for first responders to receive the first dose of the vaccine and second dose clinics are being completed this week.

First responder vaccinations in Norwood began in January as part of a regional effort between the member communities of the Norfolk County-8 (NC-8) coalition. The NC-8 regional vaccination effort served first responders from Canton, Dedham, Dover, Milton, Needham, Norwood, Walpole, Westwood, Wellesley and Medfield at various clinic locations. When first responders became eligible to receive the vaccine, the towns worked together to ensure their plans would adhere to the strict guidelines for handling the vaccines and that the vaccines would be properly inventoried physically and electronically. 

“This is the light at the end of the tunnel for us as we’ve continued responding to calls related to COVID here in the community,” Fire Chief George Morrice said. “Along with wearing proper PPE, this vaccine is going to ensure the members of this department, especially the paramedics and EMTs, have extra protection against the virus. These men and women have been stalwart throughout the whole pandemic and to be able to lead them and the community and show people we believe in the efficacy of this vaccine is a great feeling.”

The town is also currently vaccinating residents 75 years old and older who became eligible on Monday, Feb. 1 through Phase Two of the state’s vaccine distribution plan. Following the conclusion of appointments on Tuesday, Feb. 9, the town had administered 440 doses of the Moderna vaccine, 60 of which were the second doses for first responders. 

“The way we get out of this pandemic is getting a large amount of people vaccinated, so the more people that step up and get vaccinated the sooner we can end this pandemic,” said Superintendent of Public Health Sigalle Reiss. “It’s a little bit of Norwood pride as well with Moderna right in our backyard. So, we’re excited to be using their vaccine for our first responders and continuing to vaccinate our community with it.”

The town is continuing to vaccinate residents 75 years old and older through scheduled clinics. All scheduled clinics in the Town of Norwood are for Norwood residents 75 years old and older only. If you are not a Norwood resident that is 75 or older, your appointment will be canceled.  

Due to constraints on vaccine supply, the town is receiving small allocations of vaccine each week and residents are asked to remain patient. As more vaccine supply arrives, additional appointments will become available. When appointments are available, each clinic date will have a hyperlink to the registration site. 

Residents are encouraged to visit Norwood’s vaccination clinic page often to check for updates. 

“Norwood can be a leader and show people not only in our own community but others that they should be getting this vaccination and that they should feel confident that it is safe,” said Board of Selectmen Chair William Plasko. “It’s absolutely necessary that we get vaccinated as soon as we all have the vaccination available to us.”

Those currently eligible to receive the vaccine can also make an appointment at a state vaccination site. If you’re eligible, visit mass.gov/COVIDVaccineMap to find a vaccine clinic near you, make an appointment and fill out the attestation form.

Residents who do not have access to internet or a family member that can assist them in making an appointment may contact the Norwood Senior Center for assistance at 781-762-1201.

Additionally, a 211 hotline has been made available by the state for residents 75 years old and older who do not have internet access or who otherwise cannot use the appointment site. The hotline is taking calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers will be able to speak with a live representative who will help them find a nearby vaccination location and make an appointment. Translators are also available to help through the 211 line. 

Stay Informed

The Town of Norwood is encouraging residents to check the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s website for the most current vaccine distribution information. This includes all individuals identified in the later stages of Phase Two and in Phase Three. For a list of sites for eligible populations, visit mass.gov/covidvaccine.

To view the Town of Norwood’s COVID-19 homepage, click here.

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