WATCH: ‘I’m going to get to hug my friends again’

After a long, hard year, a safe and effective COVID vaccine is helping kids 12 and older enjoy a fun and healthy summer.

Six tweens and teens recently shared with Coverage their reasons for getting vaccinated and how their lives have changed since getting the shot.

The vaccine is free and widely available. A parent or guardian just needs to complete a written consent form for anyone under 18 to bring to their appointment. Read more about Massachusetts guidelines here.

^{VIDEO BY KENT EARLE}