Limited COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinic Scheduled for October 21

The Amherst Public Health Department has scheduled a clinic for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on Tuesday, October 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Room 101 at the Bangs Community Center, 70 Boltwood Walk. COVID-19 vaccines will be limited to those ages 65 and older. Flu vaccines may be given to people of any age, but the clinic is aimed at vaccinating seniors.

Public Health Director Kiko Malin told the Board of Health at its September 4 meeting that ordinarily there would be about four vaccine clinics scheduled in collaboration with the Northampton Department of Public Health, but with the federal government dismantling the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the new limitations placed by the federal goverment on who can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, there are far fewer resources for the public clinics. She worried that if there are no recommendations for certain populations to receive the COVID vaccine, insurance companies won’t pay.  The Department’s sources for free COVID tests are also drying up. Malin said that her department has only about 50 tests left to distribute.

Residents can register for the Bangs Center Clinic here or by calling 413-259-3077 or emailing  publichealth@amherstma.gov. The Health Department will still hold its usual vaccine clinic at the Clarke House and will offer vaccines to homebound residents.

Governor Maura Healy stated yesterday that Massachusetts was developing its own guidelines for vaccination, and that everyone who wants to receive a COVID vaccine will be able to be vaccinated, but details of the state program are pending.

The Public Health Department is developing a website with the latest information on vaccines. There will be a link from the Department web page.