Introducing B Together
B Together is Boston’s vaccine requirement for certain indoor spaces. Let’s stay healthy and connected — together.
Mayor Michelle Wu and Dr. Bisola Ojikutu announced that the City’s proof of vaccination policy will be lifted effective immediately. Our public health data show Boston has a 4.0% community positivity rate; 90.7% occupancy rate of adult ICU beds, and 7-day average of adult COVID-19 hospitalizations at 195.9 per day, falling below all three previously announced thresholds.
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Have questions? Contact:
Mayor's Office -
Business questions?
Contact Small Business Development at smallbiz@boston.gov or 617-635-0355.
About the policy
Starting on January 15, 2022, people will be required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to enter certain indoor spaces in Boston that offer:
- Indoor dining, including bars and nightclubs
- Indoor fitness
- Indoor entertainment
You can view a full detailed list of covered locations.
Employees working in those spaces will also be required to be vaccinated. Covered businesses are responsible for checking proof of vaccination and posting a notice about the COVID-19 vaccine requirement — and the City is here to help. We have a printable image of the notice that covered businesses must post at their entrance.
Proof of vaccination
To enter one of the establishments listed above, you will need to show that you are vaccinated against COVID-19. That verification can be done with:
- a CDC vaccination card
- a digital image of your CDC card
- an image of any official immunization record, or
- our City of Boston B Together app or any other COVID vaccine verification app.
|
Date |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Saturday, January 15 |
People age 12+ must show proof of one dose of vaccine |
|
Tuesday, February 15 |
People age 12+ must show proof of full vaccination |
|
Tuesday, March 1 |
Children age 5-11 must show proof of one dose of vaccine |
|
Sunday, May 1 |
People age 5+ must show proof of full vaccination |
The Boston Public Health Commission is supporting public vaccination clinics across all Boston neighborhoods throughout the coming weeks. Vaccines are free and you do not need to make an appointment or show proof of insurance.
For a list of the places you can get vaccinated in Boston, please visit our COVID-19 vaccine resource page. The state also continues to run an at-home vaccination program.
Information for individuals
To enter one of the establishments listed on this page, you will need to show that you are vaccinated against COVID-19. That verification can be done with:
- a CDC vaccination card
- a digital image of your CDC card
- an image or printout of any official immunization record
- a City-designated app containing a digital image of any official immunization record, or
- another COVID-19 vaccine verification app, including the Clear Health Pass, Common Pass, Key to NYC (Android | iOS), VaxYes, IATA Travel Pass, and the Excelsior Pass.
To give people — particularly youth — time to prepare for this new requirement and get vaccinated, the requirement will be phased in over time:
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Saturday, January 15 | People age 12+ must show proof of one dose of vaccine |
| Tuesday, February 15 | People age 12+ must show proof of full vaccination |
| Tuesday, March 1 | Children age 5-11 must show proof of one dose of vaccine |
| Sunday, May 1 | People age 5+ must show proof of full vaccination |
Yes! We want to make it as easy as possible for people who are vaccinated to show that they are, and to help people who have not yet been vaccinated gain access to information and free, convenient vaccination sites in your community. We will be:
- distributing informational fliers to schools, libraries, housing, community centers, and other community spaces across Boston
- sharing information through civic associations, community meetings, and faith-based organizations, and
- doing direct outreach at senior centers and senior facilities.
With any questions about the policy, please contact the Office of Neighborhood Services by dialing 3-1-1.
Information for businesses
Businesses and organizations have an important but simple role to play in the B Together program.
- Place a public notice at the front entrance stating that proof of vaccination is required. The sign is available online. You may also pick up a sign at locations across Boston, including any of the 20 Main Street locations, BCYF centers, and Boston Public Libraries.
- Check proof of vaccination upon entry. You do not need to check vaccination status for an entry for a quick and limited purpose, such as using the bathroom, placing an order, or making a delivery.
- We have more guidance on the equitable implementation of the policy.
Yes! The City is here to help businesses participate successfully.
- The Office of Neighborhood Services and the Office of Small Business will be doing direct outreach to businesses in Main Streets and other commercial districts to educate business owners and workers and increase community awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
- The City hosted a series of webinars to educate business owners on the COVID-19 vaccine requirement and to take your questions.
- We're providing signage for businesses, both directly and available for digital download.
We will continue to add more engagement events and webinars. For any business questions, please contact the Small Business Development team at smallbiz@boston.gov.
List of covered locations and businesses
Indoor portions of food service establishments offering food and drink, including:
- restaurants
- bars, and
- all indoor dining areas of food service establishments.
The requirements of this Order shall NOT apply to:
- any food service establishment offering food or drink exclusively for off-premises or outdoor consumption, or
- a food service establishment providing charitable food services, such as soup kitchens.
- movie theaters
- music or concert venues
- commercial event and party venues
- museums and galleries
- professional sports arenas and indoor stadiums
- convention centers and exhibition halls
- performing arts theaters
- bowling alleys, and
- other recreational centers.
- commercial gyms and fitness centers
- yoga, pilates, barre, and dance studios
- boxing and kickboxing gyms
- fitness boot camps
- indoor pools, and
- other facilities used for conducting group fitness classes.
Download the B Together app
Boston’s new B Together app gives you easy access to images of your family’s COVID-19 vaccination cards. The app stores images of your vaccine cards so you can share them at restricted indoor spaces in the City of Boston.
Related resources
Resources
We have answers to frequently asked questions about the City of Boston’s vaccine requirement for certain indoor spaces.
We partner with community health centers, hospitals, and pharmacies to increase access to COVID-19 testing for residents.
The COVID-19 vaccine is an important and effective tool to keep ourselves and our communities safe.
