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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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.
Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.
Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.
"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."
The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.
"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.
She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.
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