Town offers no-cost vaccine program

By Mike Berger

According to Canton Public Health Director Meg Goldstein, adult residents of the community have a distinct advantage when it comes to guarding against a host of common infections.

“We can vaccinate all insured adults, and also uninsured/underinsured Canton residents,” she said of the no-cost vaccination program, which was recently highlighted by the state Department of Public Health.

“This is unique to Canton, and as far as I know we are the only town with such a program,” she said.

Goldstein noted that there are many older adults who cannot afford a Medicare Part D plan, which covers medications and vaccines for infections such as shingles or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which can cost up to $500 out of pocket. Most older adults would rather just forgo the vaccination, Goldstein said.

Goldstein said the vaccine budget is funded by municipal tax dollars and by the reimbursements received from insurance. “A flu shot costs about $18, so insurance will cover that cost,” she said. “We also get a small administrative fee, around $15, which then helps to cover the cost of the uninsured doses.”

While the cost of adult vaccinations are covered by the town, all pediatric vaccinations are provided at no charge up to the age of 19 through a state-funded program. The Canton Health Department works with Canton Public Schools’ nursing staff to identify students who are behind or missing vaccinations.

Goldstein also elaborated on the importance of events such as the recently held Canton Health Fair and the flu vaccine clinic held at the Canton Senior Center. She noted that last year’s influenza season (2024-25) was the worst in a decade with the highest number of pediatric influenza deaths recorded in the last 15 years.

“If you need a flu shot, or would like other vaccines such as COVID, RSV or pneumonia, call the Canton public health nurse’s office at 781-821-2942,” said Goldstein.

She is also encouraging all adults to check on their last Tdap vaccination, which can prevent tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), which public health officials say is on the rise.

“Vaccinations covered by insurance help to fund the no-cost adult program, so we want to make sure everyone knows they can come get their flu shot — or any vaccine! — at the Canton BOH and it will help to improve the health of our community,” said Goldstein.

For more information on the town’s vaccine program, go to town.canton.ma.us/859/Vaccine-Information-and-Clinics.

The following is the list of adult vaccines offered by the Canton Board of Health:

Arexvy – RSV (age 60+)

Comirnaty Pfizer – COVID vaccine *2025-26 formula*

Boostrix – Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (18+)

Vaqta – Hepatitis A (18+)

Engerix – Hepatitis B (18+)

Prevnar 20 – Pneumonia (65+)

Shingrix – Shingles (50+)

High Dose Influenza (65+)

Standard Dose Influenza (18+)

The Board of Health also offers the following childhood (0-18 yrs.) vaccines: