Free Turkeys Mark Opening Of Dorchester COVID-19 Test, Vaccine Site

BOSTON, MA — Consider it your one-stop Thanksgiving shop. The Boston health commission and other community groups on Sunday will host a turkey giveaway at a site that will also offer COVID-19 testing and vaccines — just in time for big holiday gatherings.

Here's more from a BPHC and CIC Health news release:

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and CIC Health today announced that the partnership will kick off the opening of its free Covid-19 testing and vaccination site at the Lena Park Community Development Corporation with the 3rd Annual Turkey Giveaway. Turkeys will be provided by TEAM New England and are limited to one per household while supplies last. The site, located at 150 American Legion Hwy, Dorchester, MA will open on November 20 from 10 am-4 pm where BPHC and CIC Health will continue to partner to establish more access points to testing and vaccines.

As the demand for Covid-19 and flu vaccines continue to rise and Boston prepares for surges in the coming months, CIC Health is continuing to focus on increasing entry points for communities to access testing and vaccination services, particularly in areas that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. BPHC and CIC Health have partnered to stand up testing and vaccination sites at White Stadium and the historic Bolling C. Municipal Building to address public health challenges leading into the fall and winter.

“Our continued partnership with BPHC to stand up testing and vaccinations clinics is crucial as we head into the colder months and expect surges of Covid and flu,” said CIC Health co-founder and CEO Tim Rowe. “Ensuring these sites are accessible is a priority for us and an important element to address disparities in healthcare. We don’t require an appointment, ID, or insurance at our sites to truly make this an accessible and welcoming place for all. Our goal is to keep our communities safe and decreasing barriers to access vital resources is one way we can do that.”

PCR tests and all Covid-19 vaccines and manufacturers – including bivalent (omicron) boosters, as well as flu vaccinations – including a high dose vaccine for individuals 65 and older, are available at the Lena Park site on a walk-in basis. The clinic will be open for anyone ages 6 months and older, including asymptomatic individuals on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 am-5 pm, Wednesdays from 1 pm-7 pm, and Sundays from 10 am-2 pm to accommodate patients’ work, school, and childcare schedules. BPHC has contracted CIC Health and Cataldo Ambulance to support the preparation and administration of free Covid-19 and flu vaccines, as well as testing services.

The Lena Park vaccination and testing site is accessible by car and public transportation. Street parking is available along Franklin Hill or Austin Street. By bus 14.