The flu season is beginning! Everyone six months of age or older needs a flu vaccine. When most of us are vaccinated, we build community immunity that protects the elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems from the terrible effects of influenza. During the current coronavirus pandemic, flu vaccination is all the more important for staying healthy and conserving needed health care services. For information on prevention, symptoms, and treatment of influenza, visit www.flu.gov
The Cooperative Public Health Service (CPHS) is offering influenza vaccines (with no insurance co-pay) to area residents at regularly scheduled wellness clinics throughout the region.
Where and When are Flu Clinics Happening?
- Public Flu Clinics organized by the FRCOG’s Health District have ended. Small onsite clinics at senior centers and older adult housing facilities in district member towns continue.
- All local chain pharmacies have flu vaccinations as well.
What to expect:
A COVID self-screen is required of everyone attending. Face masks and physical distancing as possible are required. Local public health, public safety, fire and EMS, along with other community leaders and volunteers including members of the Franklin County/Western Massachusetts Medical Reserve Corps are staffing these clinics.
What kind of vaccine is available?
Both injectable and flu mist formulas for kids will be available this year. Senior High-Dose formulas will be available at most clinics for those over age 65. Visit this page regularly for updates and any changes and contact Lisa White, RN, Regional Public Health Nurse of FRCOG, at 413-774-3167 x 156 for any special needs. We are exploring offering COVID boosters when they are approved by the state.
Volunteering at Flu Clinics
We have a long history of providing flu clinics to the region! This year most volunteers are from the Medical Reserve Corps and local emergency dispensing site planning groups. To join the MRC, visit www.wmmrc.org
If you are a registered volunteer who will work as a scribe, vaccinator, or registration helper, you need to register for the COLOR software. Do that by filling out THIS FORM.
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- Youtube Orientation to Color: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg5_JCt4a0k
Pictured: the team for a 2018 flu vaccination clinic held at Deerfield Elementary including CPHS staff, Medical Reserve Corps, Greenfield Community College nursing students, public health leaders, public safety, EMS and community volunteers
Contact Lisa White, RN, Regional Public Health Nurse of FRCOG, at 413-774-3167 x 156 for updated schedule and more information or visit this page regularly.
Other Clinics will be posted here as we get information on them.
For more information on the CPHS, click here.
