With autumn underway and COVID-19 and flu cases expected to rise, public health officials are encouraging residents to get their flu shot and a COVID-19 booster.
Vaccine clinics are scheduled throughout October, offering regular and high doses of the flu vaccine, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine — both the primary series for all ages and boosters for people ages 5 and older; and the omicron-specific booster, available to anyone 12 years of age or older who received a COVID-19 shot more than two months ago. Residents are encouraged to get both their flu and COVID-19 shot during the same visit.
“It’s a recommended best practice of the (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention),” said Public Health Nurse Lisa White. “There’s no harm to getting both at the same time.”
According to the CDC, the updated COVID-19 booster protects against the omicron BA.4 and BA.5 strains, helping to restore protection that has waned since previous vaccinations by targeting variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading.
As of Sept. 22, the most recent data available, roughly 71% of Franklin County is fully vaccinated, compared to the state’s percentage of 90%, according to the CDC. About 90% of county residents have received at least one dose.
“Not that there aren’t ample opportunities to get the vaccine throughout the region, but there will likely be a surge of need,” White said, “so for the convenience of it, and because it’s appropriate … we’re encouraging getting both as soon as possible.”
The clinics, which are organized by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG), will be staffed by the vendor, Cataldo Ambulance Service.
Although appointments are not required, spaces can be reserved online at frcog.org/covid. Residents should bring their health insurance card if they have one, and their COVID-19 vaccination cards.
In addition to the 10 clinics scheduled throughout the county beginning Monday, White and Public Health Nurse Meg Ryan carry the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster at their regular walk-in wellness clinics.
■Monday, Oct. 3, 10 am. to 4 p.m. — Ashfield Town Hall, 412 Main St.
■Tuesday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to noon — Greenfield Health Department, 20 Sanderson St.
■Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2 to 6 p.m. — Mohawk Trail Regional School, 26 Ashfield Road in Buckland.
■Wednesday, Oct. 5, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Bernardston Senior Center, 20 Church St.
■Wednesday, Oct. 5, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Northfield Senior Center, 69 Main St.
■Thursday, Oct. 6, 3 to 5 p.m. — Four Rivers Charter Public School, 248 Colrain Road in Greenfield.
■Thursday, Oct. 13, 1 to 4 p.m. — Erving Senior & Community Center, 1 Care Drive.
■Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Hawlemont Regional School, 10 School St. in Charlemont.
■Thursday, Oct. 20, noon to 4 p.m. — Rowe Elementary School, 86 Pond Road.
■Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2 to 6 p.m. — Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School, 75 Mechanic St. in Shelburne Falls.