From SHirsch at somervillema.gov Mon Nov 9 13:43:25 2009
From: SHirsch at somervillema.gov (Stephanie Hirsch)
Date: Mon Nov 9 10:00:33 2009
Subject: [Parentsresistat] LIMITED availability of H1N1 vaccine for pregnant
women and infant caregivers
References: <05E737CD9BF1C7479D7F1A4A881272EB03DCD7AD@exchange.somerville.ma.us>
Message-ID: <05E737CD9BF1C7479D7F1A4A881272EB3EA34D@exchange.somerville.ma.us>
Hello all -
Please see below for an update from the City's Director of Public Health on H1N1 vaccines. Please note, the supplies are VERY limited, both in number of doses and in formulation. The vaccine will ONLY be administered on an appointment basis. For more information, call 311.
Stephanie
******************
Hello -
The health department has received a very limited amount of H1N1 vaccine that that will allow us to vaccinate the highest priority group for vaccination, pregnant women. We also have a similarly limited amount of vaccine for another high priority group, care givers of infants under 6 months of age. The City web page has been updated and 311 has also been informed of this news.
Vaccine will only be administered to those who make an appointment to assure that the public health nurses are available to administer the vaccine. Appointments will also allow for the public health nurses to do important preliminary screening that will help determine what formulation of flu vaccine is indicated for those in the priority groups noted above. Walk in request for vaccination can not be accommodated at this time. Maureen Monagle, Public Health Nurse Manager can be reached at extension 617-625-660 ext. 4320 for those wishing to make an appointment.
As more vaccine is delivered to us, I will update you on other offerings of the vaccine depending on the actual supply of vaccine, formulations of vaccine available, and priority group targeting. Please remember that priority groups are assigned based on the burden of disease and likelihood of complications from H1N1. On that note, we are also in the process of conducting a limited number of school based vaccination clinics in the Somerville Public Schools for students age 9 and older, as children have been disproportionately adversely impacted by H1N1 influenza and are among the top priority groups for vaccination.
It is my understanding that sometime in December we should have enough vaccine to begin to schedule more wide spread general public distribution of the vaccine.
Please call 311 if you have any questions, and of course, the City website will be updated as the situation warrants. A very helpful link (also available via www.somervillma.gov ) is www.flu.gov .
Take care, cover your cough, and wash your hands!
Paulette
Paulette Renault-Caragianes RN MPA
Director, City of Somerville Health Department
City Hall Annex
50 Evergreen Avenue
Somerville MA 02145
V 617.625.6600 ext 4310
F 617.629.3040
Questions? Call 311 or visit somervillema.gov
Effective 1 July 2009, the Health Department will observe new hours of operation. Mon-Weds 8:30-4:30, Thurs. 8:30-7:30, Fri 8:30-12:30.
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
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From SHirsch at somervillema.gov Thu Nov 19 15:33:01 2009
From: SHirsch at somervillema.gov (Stephanie Hirsch)
Date: Thu Nov 19 11:50:03 2009
Subject: [Parentsresistat] K and Pre-K Coffee, Preschool Fees Hearing,
Special Education Advisory Council, and School Concerts
Message-ID: <05E737CD9BF1C7479D7F1A4A881272EB2E650D@exchange.somerville.ma.us>
Hello Somerville Parents and Caregivers -
Here are a few announcements/events:
DISCUSSION OF K AND PRE-K OPPORTUNITIES, Sat., Nov. 21st, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m, Bread and Company, 349 Broadway: School Committee Representatives Adam Sweeting and Paul Bockelman invite residents to a relatively informal discussion of the school registration and selection process. Parents and guardians hoping to learn more will have the chance to ask questions and to hear from others who have recently been through the experience of kindergarten registration. ??
Gretchen Kinder from the Superintendent's Office also passed along these interesting school announcements. To sign up to receive announcements like this, go to: http://tinyurl.com/yzda6p3
HEARING ON PRESCHOOL FEES: On Monday, November 30, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Library at Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue), the Somerville School Committee will conduct a Public Hearing regarding the possibility of charging fees for preschool programs in the Somerville Public Schools.? The Public is cordially invited to attend.? To learn more about the impetus for the preschool fee discussion please contact Gretchen Kinder at gkinder@k12.somerville.ma.us or 617-625-6600 x6013 or attend the public hearing.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL, Mon., Nov. 23rd:? The Council is hosting a workshop for parents/guardians of student who receive special education on "Understanding your Basic Rights."? For more information or to RSVP contact Debby Higgins, SPED PAC Coordinator at 617-625-6600 ext 6829 or dhiggins@k12.somerville.ma.us.
SCHOOL CONCERTS: Celebrating the spirit of winter and winter holidays are the themes of the winter concerts in the Somerville Public Schools.? Elementary students will perform on Thursday, December 10th, and high school musicians and singers will take the stage on Thursday December 17th.? Both free concerts featuring student singers, musicians and other performers start at 7:00 PM in auditorium of Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue).?
CLASSROOM WEBSITES: Somerville families have asked for better web access to teachers in the Somerville Public Schools.? Classroom websites with e-based teacher access are now on the new District website! Visit http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us and click on "our schools." Click on any school and then look for the "Classrooms" link in the Highlights column.
Stephanie Hirsch
Mayor's Office, Special Projects
City of Somerville
office phone: (617) 625-6600 ext. 2103
cell phone: (617) 512-4847
www.ci.somerville.ma.us
From SHirsch at somervillema.gov Thu Nov 26 07:05:46 2009
From: SHirsch at somervillema.gov (Stephanie Hirsch)
Date: Thu Nov 26 03:24:02 2009
Subject: [Parentsresistat] Flu (H1N1 and Seasonal) Clinic Scheduled for Next
Friday and Saturday
Message-ID: <05E737CD9BF1C7479D7F1A4A881272EB3EA402@exchange.somerville.ma.us>
Mayor Curtatone and the City of Somerville Health Department are pleased to offer a free family flu clinic for Somerville residents at the Immigrant Health Fair at the Edgerly School, 8 Bonair Street, on Friday December 4th from 5-7 p.m., and Saturday December 5th from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Vaccinations for H1N1 influenza will be available for the high priority groups as defined by the United States Centers for Disease Control, including:
? Pregnant women
? Care givers of infants under 6 months old
? Children and young people ages 2-24
? People with these underlying health conditions
? Asthma, diabetes, immunosuppression, cardiac and neurological conditions
Vaccinations for Seasonal influenza will also be available in the "flu mist" formulation, which is appropriate for healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49.
Those planning to receive a flu shot are asked to bring a valid insurance card, if available.
Additional clinics will be scheduled as vaccine becomes available. For up-to-date information and clinic schedules, please visit the City of Somerville website: www.somervillema.gov or call 311.
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