Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Boston's seen a 10-fold increase in flu cases over last year.
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Wednesday, January 9
Mayor Thomas Menino declared a health emergency due to Boston's flu outbreak. There were over 700 reported cases in the city this flu season, according to the Boston Public Health Commission. That's 10 times the average number of cases last year, according to WBUR. Fortunately, there's plenty of vaccine to go around this year, and the mayor's office recommends everyone get the shot. In Weston, the Board of Health still has about 40 doses of the vaccine, according to Public Health Director Wendy Diotalevi. Those doses are free, but Diotalevi said those doses could run out at any time. "Obviously, the mayor's announcement has raised some interest," Diotalevi said, adding that a father called this afternoon seeking a vaccination for his …
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
It's National Influenza Vaccination Week and this year is shaping up to be one of the worst flu seasons in a while. Did you get your flu shot?
More than one-third of United States residents have already been vaccinated against the influenza virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday. With National Influenza Vaccination Week, which started last Sunday and ends Saturday, health officials aim to increase that percentage, especially since this year's season may be a bad one. Influenza—more commonly known as simply "the flu"—is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads via infected people coughing, sneezing or talking, though people can also get infected by touching something with the flu virus on it before touching their mouth, eyes or nose. The 2012-2013 season is shaping up to be one of the worst …
Monday, September 12, 2011
Due to lower supply levels, the town of Weston will prioritize who gets free flu shots this winter.
The Boston Globe reported at the end of August that the state is reducing the number of free flu shots it provides by more than half due to budget constraints. According to the Globe, in 2010, the state provided about 350,000 free doses. This year, it will be cut to about 140,000. Because of these cuts, the town of Weston's Board of Health is advising residents that it will prioritize flu shots for children and un/under-insured adults only. "The Board of Health urges all Weston residents to make arrangements now to obtain a flu vaccine from your health care provider or local pharmacy," said the board on the town's website.
