CHP Readying for New Covid-19 Vaccine Supply

03:35PM / Wednesday, September 27, 2023Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — With a second mobile medical van now on the road, CHP Berkshires' mobile health teams are preparing to reach more Berkshire residents in more locations this fall with vaccines for flu, Covid-19 and, for eligible patients, the respiratory virus (RSV) vaccine.

CHP anticipates receiving its Covid-19 vaccines in the coming weeks, while flu clinics are well under way.

"We are fielding many calls and inquiries about the new Covid-19 vaccine, and we are as eager as everyone to get this new vaccine on the road," said Melanie Wickwire, mobile health manager at CHP.

Once available, Covid-19 vaccines will be available to CHP and non-CHP patients on the CHP mobile health vehicles. This can be given at the same time as the seasonal flu shot. In addition, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines is available to eligible CHP patients.

Covid-19 vaccines will be available for those six months and older. The new RSV vaccine is for adults 60 and older with certain underlying health risks; pre-screening is required for RSV vaccines with CHP. Flu shots are available starting at 6 months of age.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have this arsenal of prevention against serious illness," said Dr. Laura Need, CHP associate medical director and pediatrician at Berkshire Pediatrics. "We urge everyone to get vaccinated for themselves, their families, friends and workplace colleagues. And parents should be sure their children are protected against other preventable contagious illness like measles, pertussis and others."

CHP will keep the public notified of its vaccination resources throughout the fall and winter season, through its mobile health calendar at chpberkshires.org/mobile and with reminders on social media channels, radio and other outlets.

"We are extremely excited that we now have a second mobile health vehicle to help reach more people in more places in the Berkshires," said Michelle Derr, CHP's senior vice president of family services and mobile health. "People can walk up or call us to make an appointment. We are also here for anyone who needs a minor sick visit or other health-related support, whether or not they are a CHP patient."

Tags: CHP, COVID-19, vaccinations,

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Berkshire South Sees $1M Earmark for Expansion

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:48PM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— The Berkshire South Regional Community Center was earmarked for more than $1 million to expand its north wing.

On Thursday, Congressman Richard Neal sat with Executive Director Jenise Lucey, board members, and other staff at the center to see how those dollars will help expand childcare, among other areas. He announced a $1,015,000 earmark for the project.

"As you can see, we are really, really busy and really busting at the seams," Lucey said while showing the congressman plans.

"So your advocacy to make this happen, so that we can really move on to the next steps and serve our community, couldn't be better timed, and we're just so grateful for your support."

The 6,000-square-foot addition will add about 20 spaces for infant and toddler care and increase the 40,000-square-foot building by about 15 percent. It will also allow BCRCC to expand its fitness center, upgrade its HVAC system, and relocate administrative offices.

BCRCC sees about 200,000 visitors per year and is licensed to welcome 100 summer campers, running a nine-week program during working hours. Childcare programming runs year-round, with the center serving about 240 youth annually.

Open since 2002, the community center will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary. The allocation was made through Congressionally Directed Spending from the Rural Housing Service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Neal said that childcare was one of the biggest issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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