News from the Board of Health

Vaccinations and COVID

Fall Vaccination

The start of fall marks the beginning of a new respiratory illness season. Getting annual Flu and COVID vaccines can reduce the risk of serious illness and death.

The CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older receive the 2024-2025 Flu and COVID vaccines. Both vaccines have been formulated to give you the best protection from circulating strains of the viruses. And, both vaccines are recommended, even if you have had flu or COVID in the past.

With the number of human cases of Avian influenza in other parts of the US (bird flu), it is important for people who regularly interact with dairy cows or live poultry to receive a flu vaccine. While the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against getting bird flu, a seasonal flu vaccine can prevent co-infection with both viruses.

Vaccination clinics offering both flu and COVID vaccines are scheduled across Franklin County. See the full schedule and sign up online at https://frcog.org/project/vaccine-information/ Please bring your ID and insurance card, if you have one. You can receive both shots during the same visit.

West County clinics include Tuesday, Oct 22nd at Hawlemont Elementary from 3:30 – 7 pm and on Wednesday Oct 30th at Mohawk Trail Regional School from 3:30 – 7 pm.

The MA Department of Public Health also offers free in-home vaccination for COVID and flu across the Commonwealth for anyone (aged 6 months and up) who has difficulty getting to or using a community vaccination location. For more information, please visit this page: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/in-home-vaccination-program-covid-19influenza

COVID Test Kits

Households will once again be able to order free covid test kits through the US government: https://aspr.hhs.gov/covid-19/test/Pages/default.aspx

Information from the Conway BOH is focused on our shared public health. Please consult your healthcare provider for your personal healthcare guidance.

For the most up to date information, please see the Town website and the BOH webpage conwayma.gov/g/42/Board-of-Health.