Weekly Report: Download Weekly Report 12_30_09 (Download PDF Weekly Report 12_30_09)
Once again, we are posting this week's report early in recognition of the holiday. As you can see, the amount of flu in the state continues to decline, however, it is important to remember that flu season typically lasts through the spring in New England. Therefore, we continue to encourage everyone to get the H1N1 vaccine and to keep practicing good health hygiene as we ring in the New Year!
Could you please post more information on doses that have been shipped by the state to providers and public health clinics?
The CDC says that Massachusetts has been allocated, as of 1/5, 3282800 doses and that 3263700 have shipped, but my primary care office --Health care Associates at BIDMC-- still only has enough to vaccinate high-risk groups.
MassHealth doesn't have contracts with pharmacies, and there are no public clinics near me that are accessible by public transportation. There seem to be plenty of clinics in Dorchester and the like which are not getting enough people, but Fenway hasn't scheduled any clinicss, and I can't get any from my doctor. ----------------------------------
DPH RESPONDS: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide specific information about where the vaccine has been allocated in the state. The best way to find a clinic near you is to visit www.mass.gov/flu and click on the "Find A Flu Clinic" icon. You can also try contacting pharmacies and local public health departments directly to see when they plan on holding clinics in your area. Thankfully, most clinics are now open to all residents regardless of whether or not they are in a priority group.
Posted by: Joan | January 07, 2010 at 03:18 PM