Northeastern to stop administering first doses of vaccine at state’s direction

The+university+announced+Feb.+26+in+an+email+that+Northeastern+will+no+longer+be+scheduling+first+doses+of+the+COVID-19+vaccine+due+to+Massachusetts+decision+to+prioritize+other+vaccination+sites.+

Marta Hill

The university announced Feb. 26 in an email that Northeastern will no longer be scheduling first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine due to Massachusetts’ decision to prioritize other vaccination sites.

Matt Yan, news staff

In an email to all Northeastern students Feb. 26, the university updated its vaccine rollout plan. Now, students will no longer be able to schedule first dose shots of the COVID-19 vaccine through the university, according to the email from Chancellor and Senior Vice President for Learning Ken Henderson. 

“We realize this update is disappointing to many in our community,” Henderson wrote. “The rollout of a comprehensive vaccination program in the midst of a global pandemic – with limited federal supply – has been highly complex. Governor Charlie Baker and his administration have been working tirelessly to fine-tune this program, always keeping the best interests of the state’s citizens in mind.” 

Once eligible, students must now schedule their vaccines through the sites listed on the official state website. However, according to the email, the university will still provide second dose shots to those who received first doses at Northeastern. 

The email said this sudden shift is due to Massachusetts’ announcement that “it will prioritize vaccine distribution to its mass vaccination sites, medical facilities, and pharmacies.”

“This means that some other sites – such as those on college and university campuses – will not receive additional vaccines in the near term,” Henderson wrote. 

However, the university said it is possible that vaccines may start up again. 

We have been assured by the state that, if and when supply increases sufficiently, higher education sites may again be able to vaccinate members of their community,” the email said. 

As of Feb. 26, Massachusetts has administered 1,622,553 doses of the vaccine, with 1,142,357 people receiving their first dose and 480,196 people receiving their second, according to the Boston Globe. Massachusetts is currently in Phase 2 of vaccine distribution.