EFFECTIVE June 5, 2023
Our Board of Directors established a vaccine policy on March 1, 2022 and continues to review and revise it as the science and understanding of the virus evolves. This June 5, 2023 policy is a modification based on current knowledge and recent CDC recommendations.
After careful consideration, and in consultation with key medical personnel, the Board of Directors at The Boston House has decided to implement a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for anyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine. This includes staff, volunteers, vendors, and families who stay at The House. This policy is designed to add another layer of protection for all of us, especially the children who are in active treatment.
We understand that this policy is a bit different from the hospitals’ current policies and may affect a small number of guests, although we hope not. This was not an easy decision for our Board, but we recognize that we have a responsibility for our guests, volunteers, and staff, and we are not a hospital, nor do we have the same resources that hospitals have.
Please know that all staff and volunteers who come into The House have been fully vaccinated and boosted. We hope that most or all of you are fully vaccinated and boosted as well.
Thus, beginning on June 5, 2023, to stay at The House, you must show official proof* of having had either of the following:
· the original two Moderna or two Pfizer vaccines (or one for J&J) and at least one booster. We encourage you to receive the bivalent booster but are not requiring it at this time; OR
· If you are just starting the vaccination process, you will need one bivalent booster.
PLEASE NOTE: If your child (the patient) cannot receive vaccinations at this point, we will need a note from your doctor stating such.
Please follow the CDC guidance for vaccinations for children ages six months to five years at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#All
We hope this policy is not a problem for you. Rather, we hope it is reassuring in that you will know when you stay here that another layer of protection has been added, one that will further shield you and your child from the virus.
Finally, similar to the Jimmy Fund Clinic, we require that all residents, staff, and volunteers wear masks whenever you are outside of your apartment.
Thank you,
Peg and Andy
On behalf of the Board of Directors
(Please note: This policy is subject to revision due to the evolving nature of the pandemic.)
*You can use your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card or a copy of your vaccination record (digital or paper) as proof of vaccination. If you have lost your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card or don’t have a copy, contact your vaccination provider directly to request a vaccination card or to get a copy of your vaccination record. If you cannot contact your vaccination provider site directly, contact your state health department’s immunization information system (IIS). Vaccination providers are required to report COVID-19 vaccinations to their IIS and related systems. Your state’s IIS cannot issue you a vaccination card, but they can provide a digital or paper copy of your vaccination record. If you need another COVID-19 vaccine dose and are unable to get a copy of your vaccination card or vaccination record, talk to a vaccination provider. Please contact your state health department if you have additional questions about vaccination records. Your local or state health department can also provide more information about the laws or regulations in your area.