CHP Readying for New Covid-19 Vaccine Supply

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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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Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Robin's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant. 

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