Mayor Kim Janey Announces $1.5 Million Vaccine Equity Grant

BOSTON — Mayor Kim Janey announced a $1.5 million grant program to expand access to vaccinations at her first news conference on Friday.

Funding will be awarded to help direct in-person outreach, public awareness campaigns to build confidence in vaccines, and practical measures such as transportation and interpretation services. The purpose of the Vaccine Equity Grant is to increase equity in distribution, and awardees will be announced in mid-April.

“Vaccination is at the top of our COVID-19 agenda,” said Janey. “The city of Boston is pursuing a citywide approach that is focused on equity. We know that people of color are more likely to get COVID-19, and if they do they are more likely to die.”

The city has already rolled out the Equity and Vaccine Access Line, a support line intended for people in communities that have been most affected by the virus to call and get help setting up their appointments. Janey said that she would be able to get her own first dose on Friday.

“I’m choosing to get the shot because vaccination is an important tool to protect ourselves, to protect our communities and all those that we love and to help stop the pandemic,” said Janey, who became eligible from volunteering at a vaccine clinic.

Janey reported that there were 335 new cases of the virus documented in Boston Thursday, and more than half of those were people under age 29.

“We all want to live our best lives. We all want to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, but we must remain vigilant against the virus, the latest COVID-19 data makes clear our fight is far from over,” said Janey.