In the News

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, said Monday he remains confident the nation will meet its goals in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines despite a setback for Johnson & Johnson.

“The science that we witnessed in terms of getting these vaccines made has been really impressive, and now making sure that distribution continues is critical,” Neal said during a tour of the new Caring Health Center vaccination site in the Forest Park neighborhood. “Still, 200 million people are going to be vaccinated by May.”

Neal, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, was praised by city officials and representatives of the center for his leadership and aid in getting COVID relief funds to the state and city.

His comments on the importance of vaccinations came amid news that nationwide allocations of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine were expected to plummet by 86%, going from more than 4.9 million doses delivered last week to 700,000 this week. The drop was blamed on a blunder at a factory in Baltimore that led to millions of doses being ruined.

Massachusetts got almost 104,000 doses of the vaccine last week but is scheduled receive only 12,300 doses this week, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The company is pledging to resolve the manufacturing issues and is still seeking to meet a goal of delivering 100 million vaccine doses by June.

Nearly 1.6 million people in Massachusetts have already been vaccinated, according to the latest state Department of Public Health data.

Those attending Monday’s tour at the Caring Health Center at 473 Sumner Ave. included Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen R. Caulton-Harris, and Caring Health Center president and CEO Tania Barber.

Barber said the federal aid has been critical for the center as it seeks to reach those most in need, including communities of color.

The clinic administers the Moderna vaccine and expects to vaccinate 1,000 people per week. Eligible people can make an appointment by calling 413-739-1100, ext. 2508, or 413-693-1015.

Neal said he agrees that the 2020 CARES Act saved the American economy, and that the American Rescue Plan passed earlier this year continues that effort.

There will not be a complete economic recovery until COVID-19 is defeated, and community health centers administering the vaccine will help do that, Neal said. He urged the public to follow the advice of the doctors, nurses and scientists to get the vaccine.

Getting to 200 million vaccines by May under President Joe Biden’s timetable will be a “huge achievement,” Neal said.

“So, the investment of the science, American technology, and the manner in which the plans have been implemented at the local level have just been extraordinary,” Neal said.

Sarno said he and Caulton-Harris will continue to push for expansion of neighborhood vaccine sites. The focus is on getting more and more “shots in the arms,” he said.

“We have to stay steadfast,” Sarno said.

Chief medical officer Dr. Jonathan Moseley said the Caring Health Center’s efforts are particularly important as it strives to help people of color, who are more vulnerable to the coronavirus but less likely to get vaccinated against it.

State Sen. Adam Gomez and state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez also attended the tour.