'Vax Express' Commuter Rail Train Bringing Shots To Communities With Low COVID Vaccination Rates
BOSTON (CBS) – A new initiative to get people on board with the COVID vaccine is officially underway.
A Commuter Rail train dubbed the "Vax Express" arrived in Mattapan Wednesday at Blue Hill Ave. Station around 10 a.m. The doors opened for people to step on board, and knock out their shot on the train.
"Obviously, this is new. We're just happened to play a small part in the state's vaccination plans," said John Killeen, the GM and CEO of Keolis, which is the MBTA's commuter rail operating partner. "It's a regular train. We've got our partners, CIC [Health], who are equipping it with the right employees, the equipment, the refrigeration to be able to quickly and safely administer vaccines.
People were able to step on the train and receive either a Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. No appointment is necessary.
18-year-old Joshua Ricketts Johnson was one of the first on board the train.
"It was a good day because I got to be finally vaccinated, and I got to be vaccinated on my favorite train." said Johnson.
Anyone who participates will receive a $25 grocery store gift card.
The Vax Express is aimed to bring shots to communities with low vaccination rates.
Between Wednesday and Sunday, stops will be made in Boston, Worcester, Lowell, Lawrence and Fitchburg.
Second doses will be offered on the Vax Express from July 7-11.
Click here for the complete Vax Express schedule.
