Three Central Massachusetts hospitals are part of a new state initiative announced Wednesday targeting COVID-19 vaccine distribution in communities hardest hit by the pandemic.
Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester will work in one collaborative with Worcester State University and UMass Medical School's Commonwealth Medicine, with a vaccine center at Worcester State's fitness center. Harrington Hospital will also work with the Southbridge Board of Health and Heywood Hospital with the Gardner Board of Health. The Town of Rutland is also in its own vaccine program.
The $4.7-million initiative announced Wednesday comes just over a week after the Baker Administration identified 20 cities and towns — including Fitchburg, Framingham, Leominster and Worcester — for extra resources to make it easier to get vaccinated and help raise awareness of the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. Communities were chosen by the highest coronavirus case rates and highest rates of minority populations, among other factors.