PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems will provide Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccination through its Testing Centers in Pittsfield and North Adams, and Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, beginning on Oct. 1.
Appointments are required and can be made by visiting or enrolling in the Berkshire Patient Portal, or by calling the BMC Link Line, 855-BMC-LINK (855-262-5465).
Due to supply chain delays, the number of appointments available each day is temporarily limited. Additional appointments will be added in the next two weeks with expected increased vaccine supply. Walk-in appointments for booster shots are not available at this time.
The booster is available to individuals who are 65 and older, or under 65 and have chronic medical conditions and are eligible under the guidelines issued by Gov. Charles Baker, and have previously received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months prior to receiving the booster.
At this time the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines have not been approved for boosters.
Booster appointments can be scheduled at the Berkshire Health Systems Testing Centers in Pittsfield at 505 East St., St. Luke's Square, adjacent to the BHS Urgent Care Center, and in North Adams at 98 Church St., next to the North Adams Library. Fairview Hospital will be providing booster vaccination on weekdays by appointment at 29 Lewis Ave. in Great Barrington.
For questions about COVID-19, vaccination, or to schedule a test or vaccination appointment, call the BHS COVID-19 Hotline at 855-262-5465. The hotline is open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm. To enroll in the Berkshire Patient Portal, visit www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/patientportal.
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Pittsfield Says 'Thank You' to Veterans with Free Parking
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — City officials have decided to thank veterans for their service with free parking starting June 1.
The City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance allowing veterans to park in municipal lots and spaces at no charge. This was brought forward by Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, and Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey.
The original proposal was for veterans with designated plates but to ensure equity, it was amended to allow veterans with regular plates to register with the city for free parking. Warren came to the meeting with an amended proposal after suggestions were made during a subcommittee meeting last month.
"This is the same ordinance that we petitioned for. It was mentioned that the Committee on Ordinance and Rules two things," he said.
"One, they wanted to move this along as quickly as possible and two, there's going to be a provision for registration with the city in a way that's going to be proposed and implemented so this covers both. Either veterans plates or registration will be able to use parking for free for veterans."
City Solicitor Stephen Pagnotta said the amendment is "unusual," as there is not yet a system to register veterans' license plates.
"The rest of the ordinance is not a problem approving it," he said. "This particular provision can't be implemented until a system has been approved. If the City Council wants to move ahead as it is now, just you should recognize that we don't know what that system is yet."
Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales recommended leaving free parking to veterans' plates, explaining that it could be burdensome for veterans with regular plates to have to register with the city.
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