Starting January 15, 2022, Boston residents will be required to show proof of vaccination before entering certain indoor spaces. The locations requiring vaccination proof will be indoor dining areas (including bars and nightclubs), indoor fitness facilities and indoor entertainment venues. The mandate will be rolled out in parts over the course of approximately four months, and will eventually include everyone ages five and up. 

The timeline will be as follows 

• January 15, 2022: Everyone 12+ will need proof of at least one vaccine dose
• February 15, 2022: Everyone 12+ will need proof of full vaccination
• March 1, 2022: Children ages 5-11 will need proof of at least one vaccine dose
• May 1, 2022: Everyone 5+ will need proof of full vaccination

This will not change Boston’s indoor mask mandate, which requires masks to be worn in all public buildings, gyms, and businesses. People may remove their masks while actively eating or drinking, while in private residences where no compensation is granted, places of worship, private businesses that are inaccessible to public visitors, and performers who are placed six feet away from their audience. This mandate was put in place to maintain the health and safety of everyone, including those who are too young to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and thus will remain in effect. 

The upcoming proof of vaccination mandate will be applicable to all who fall under the age-range category, including employees of the venues listed. If a person trying to enter one of the listed businesses states that they are unvaccinated for medical reasons, the business is not required to provide accommodations or grant access to their space if doing so would put others directly at risk or create hardship. If someone refuses to show proof of vaccination, they will not be allowed within the listed premises unless they are there for a limited period, such as picking up food or paying a bill. During cases like these, a mask must be worn. 

To assist businesses in this transition, city inspectors will be making compliance checks as the mandate is rolled out. If a business is found to be noncompliant, a warning will be issued, followed by further enforcement and a possible fine if the warning is not heeded. 

This policy will not be in effect at both public and private pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools and programs. It also excludes child care programs, community centers and senior centers. 

Covered businesses must post the city-issued notice at the entrance of their establishments. For those who speak limited or no English, notices will be posted in commonly spoken languages throughout Boston’s various neighborhoods. Language variations of the notice can be found on the City of Boston’s website. 

More information on this upcoming policy, including the printable notice for businesses, can be found at www.boston.gov/b-together