Mass Senior Care Association applauds Governor Baker’s first-in-the nation COVID-19 vaccine mandate for nursing facility workers, which will further ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Commonwealth’s nursing facility residents. To date, Massachusetts nursing facilities have made significant strides in mitigating the spread of, and preventing deaths from, the COVID-19 virus and prioritizing nursing home residents and staff in the vaccine rollout has had a substantial impact. While Massachusetts nursing facilities currently have the 6th highest rate of staff COVID-19 vaccination in the country at 75%, the goal is to reach universal vaccination to further protect our residents and staff. Currently, vaccine hesitancy among some frontline health care workers remains a significant barrier, notwithstanding extensive efforts by our members to offer education and multiple incentives, which is why the MSCA Board voted to call for a statewide mandate for all health care workers on May 5, 2021. The Governor’s new state COVID-19 staff vaccination mandate for nursing home staff will save lives, especially since many workers move between jobs frequently or hold two jobs in different health care settings, and it aligns with public health goals to achieve herd immunity.