Photos: Vaccine Exhibit In Worcester Aims To Combat Mistruths

WORCESTER, MA — Almost everyone has had a vaccine at some point, be it for the coronavirus, measles, or polio. But have you ever wondered what's going on in that tiny vial before the vaccine enters your arm?

A new exhibit at the EcoTarium in Worcester is aiming to educate the public — kids and adults alike — about who creates vaccines, what's in them, how they work and why we need them. The exhibit opens as children across Massachusetts are beginning to receive first doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, and as the nation continues to grapple with an anti-vax movement.

The "Project Vaccine: Our Best Defense" exhibit allows visitors to walk through the history of vaccines, and even try modeling how to defend against a virus outbreak. Importantly, the exhibit, created by the Museum of Science in Boston, is available in English and Spanish.

The museum held an opening reception for the exhibit Tuesday evening featuring U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern and Worcester Health and Human Services Director Dr. Matilde Castiel. Both highlighted the need for accurate, science-based information about vaccines with lots of misinformation available on the internet.

During a speech, Castiel grew emotional describing the city's struggle fighting coronavirus since March 2020. Now, her department's focus has turned to boosting vaccine rates in hard-to-reach communities.

In Worcester, more than 60 percent of white and Asian residents are vaccinated. But for Black and Latino residents, only 44 and 46 percent are vaccinated, she said.

"We do want to get back to some sense of what our life is about," Castiel said, urging Worcester residents to learn about vaccines — and then get them.

Coinciding with the exhibit opening, the EcoTarium will host a special vaccine clinic on Saturday and Sunday for kids age 5 to 11 to get the Pfizer pediatric shot. The event is geared toward kids with disabilities or sensory support needs.

If you go ...

EcoTarium
222 Harrington Way, Worcester
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Find tickets on the museum website.