NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued information about vaccine availability earlier this week. There are five major vaccine manufacturers’ working day and night to produce both seasonal and H1N1 swine flu vaccines. Producing two vaccines has not been done before and it has caused some interruptions in the supply of vaccines.
Dates for public and school based clinics will be announced as soon as vaccine is available. Providers who serve high-priority groups will receive vaccine first (all pregnant women, children and those with chronic illness).
Delays in the delivery of the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine has not deterred local collaboration efforts for public and school based clinics for Northern Berkshire County and community education. The Northern Berkshire Pandemic Planning Group has been working together for several years to plan for such an emergency.
The Group is conducting education sessions with area Council’s on Aging, the Berkshire Food Project and a Flu Information night at the North Adams Public Library on October 29th at 6:30 pm. There are no public H1N1 vaccination clinics currently scheduled in Massachusetts. However, locations for all public clinics have been identified and will be announced once enough vaccine is delivered.
The best way to stay informed about the availability of seasonal and H1N1 vaccine in our community is to keep in touch with your healthcare provider. The state has set up a searchable database, http://flu.masspro.org. Search by zip code for a flu clinic near you. You can also visit Northern Berkshire Healthcare’s flu information section at www.nbhealth.org. This site will post all public and school vaccinations dates as soon as information becomes available.
This flu season is extraordinary, with two flu strains circulating at the same time.
Here is how to help protect yourself against the flu: wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol based rub; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
try to avoid close contact with sick people; be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a few days: stock up on tissues, hand sanitizer and medicines; and remember to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
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