Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said the case of the B.1.1.7 variant was discovered by the Massachusetts Public Health Laboratory, but she did not offer further details.
New rule allows more students to administer vaccine
Lathrop Retirement Community Association President Jack Hjelt of Northampton watches Melissa Mattison, a pharmacist at Walgreens, dispose of the syringe she just used to give him a COVID-19 vaccination at the Lathrop community in Easthampton on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO/KEVIN GUTTING
Published: 1/20/2021 2:03:44 PM
As the pool of people eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 swells, Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel can now tap into the network of students in Massachusetts training to be pharmacists or physician assistants to deliver the shots.
The change to the Department of Public Health’s emergency rules for vaccine administration expands the group of eligible providers beyond medical and nursing students if the commissioner determines that there are or will be insufficient health care professionals available for timely vaccine administration.
Massachusetts influenza vaccine requirement for students eliminated as flu season remains mild during COVID pandemic
Updated Jan 15, 2021;
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The mandate was part of an effort to prevent hospitals from being overcrowded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state Department of Public Health announced over the summer that students would need the flu shot before Dec. 31. Last month, the department said that deadline was extended to Feb. 28. But now, the shot is no longer required to attend school, according to an email from DPH officials.
“The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is removing the requirement for flu vaccination for attendance in childcare/preschool, primary, secondary and postsecondary education. Preliminary data show that this has been a mild flu season to date, presumably as people have received their seasonal flu vaccine and have been adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing due to COVID-19,” reads an email from Karen Robitaille, from the
Wicked Local
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has launched a new phase of the #StateWithoutStigMA public information campaign aimed at reducing the stigma of substance addiction that prevents people with substance use disorders from seeking treatment. The campaign launches at a time when the state is experiencing a slight rise in overdose deaths as it continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we continue to fight COVID-19, we remain aware of the impact the pandemic has had on the recovery community and residents struggling with addiction,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “Building on the Commonwealth’s previous efforts to reduce the stigma around addiction, we are proud to launch the next phase of #StateWithoutStigMA to encourage people to seek the treatment they need and deserve, especially in these uniquely challenging times.”
2020 in Plymouth, from the pad of Emily Clark
Thanks to Pinehills housing trust
PLYMOUTH – In January, Zoning Board of Appeals member Michael “Buster” Main and his wife, former Conservation Commission Chairman Gerry Hooker, known affectionately as Sweetpea, recounted how Pinehills Managing Partner Tony Green took the high road and responded to criticism of a lack of affordable housing with a wonderful offer. Ten years ago, they said Green and Pinehills President John Judge asked if Main would get involved in The Pinehills LLC trust dedicated to providing funding for affordable housing. The Pinehills Affordable Housing Charitable Trust was born and Main served on its board of directors. Green and Judge, as well as developer Tom Wallace, put their heads together to dedicate funds and raise money for 19 affordable homes for the homeless, veterans and those who simply couldn’t afford a home otherwise. As Main retired from his post with the trust, he publicly acknowledged the m