Message From The Dedham Board Of Health

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

February 11, 2021

DEDHAM — In an effort to continue to update Dedham residents on state and local preparedness efforts and impacts related to COVID-19 (commonly referred to as Coronavirus), the Dedham Board of Health offers the following updates:

February 11, 2021

The Board met after the deadline for submitting this week’s update. Information provided and discussed during the meeting will be added to next week’s update.

VACCINE CLINICS

Per state guidelines, vaccine distribution remains in Phase Two and the second clinic is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, 2021. The Town continues to request the maximum allotment of vaccine every week. However, the state determines the number of vaccines to be distributed to each community. Unfortunately, this makes consistent scheduling of clinics extremely challenging.

We are committed to scheduling clinics as often as possible. This is, of course, dependent on the allotment of vaccine from the state.

The Town will continue to register those qualified in Priority One of Phase Two (residents aged 75 years or older). If you are a Dedham resident and fall into this category and would like to be added to the vaccine appointment registry, please call 781-751-9495 and leave your name, date of birth, home address, and phone number. As vaccine becomes available, you will be contacted by the Town to schedule an appointment.

Although Governor Baker announced the opportunity for caregivers to be vaccinated while accompanying the person for whom they provide care, the February 18th clinic will not allow for this opportunity as appointments for the allotment of vaccine received by the Town had already been reserved. Additional information regarding the companion vaccine will be provided in next week’s update.

The Town is currently working with the Housing Authority to be able to vaccinate residents at their respective locations. We will move forward with this program as soon as the dedicated allotment of vaccine is received.

Information on registering for upcoming clinics will continue to be made available through several different forms of media. Please look for this information via Facebook, the webpages (see link below) for the Board of Health and Council on Aging, the dedicated COVID19 webpage, Dedham TV, and the Dedham Times.

We respectfully request your patience during this process. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for all residents to receive the vaccine in accordance with the mandated state guidelines.

If you are interested in volunteering for upcoming clinics, please contact the Health Department at 781-751-9220.

For additional COVID19 vaccination information specific to the Town of Dedham, please visit the Town of Dedham COVID19 Vaccination Clinic Page at www.dedham-ma.gov/departments/covid-19-vaccine-clinics

For COVID19 vaccination information at other locations throughout the State, please visit www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine

Assistance

The Board acknowledged that there is a growing population suffering from depression and other mental health issues. “People are tired, frustrated, angry and lonely.” If you are suffering, please reach out. Talk to someone! There are people who can help!

Available assistance; Samaritan Crisis Hotline (1-877-870-4673), or Text HOME to 741741.

Testing Sites

STOP THE SPREAD COVID TESTING SITES remain open throughout the Commonwealth. For specific information on site locations, please visit www.mass.gov/COVID19

Question & Answer

As promised, the Board has added new frequently asked questions. We continue to encourage residents to submit questions and concerns to the Board at dedhamboardofhealth@dedham-ma.gov

Q. Is it necessary to wear two masks?

A. According to the CDC a tight-fitting mask is 96.5% effective in stopping the spread. Some believe if you wear a surgical mask that fits tightly and a cloth mask over it, it could help. However, please do not wear masks that restrict your air flow.

Q. I called the COVID Vaccine Registration line, however I have not yet received a return call. Do I need to call again?

A. No, you do not need to call again. Calls will be returned in the order in which they are received, at which time you will be registered for the next available clinic.

Q. I registered for the February 18th vaccine clinic but I was able to get an appointment sooner at a different location. Do I need to do anything?

A. Yes, please call the Dedham Board of Health (781-751-9220) and let them know that you are receiving the vaccine elsewhere so we can offer the opening to another resident.

Q. I received the first COVID vaccine at the February 6th clinic. When will I receive my second vaccine?

A. The Health Department will call you to register for your second vaccine, which should be four weeks from the date of your first vaccine.

Q. I received the Moderna vaccine for my first shot. Do I have to receive the same brand of vaccine for my second shot?

A. Yes, it has to be the same brand of vaccine for both shots.

Q. How soon after I get vaccinated do I not have to wear a mask?

A. A person has immunity 14 days after the second dose of vaccine, however wearing a mask is still necessary until 80% of the population is vaccinated to help stop the spread of any variant virus.

Confirmed Cases
The confirmed case count as of February 11, 2021 is 1949, an increase of 73 cases from last report. Please note, this number reflects the total number of cases confirmed since March 2020. Please be advised that this number is not indicative of any detected cluster in the community.

The continued increase in confirmed cases in Dedham and across the Commonwealth reminds us of the importance of being vigilant. The Board urges everyone to

WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES

STAY SIX FEET APART

WASH YOUR HANDS

It is our hope that we are beginning to turn the corner in the battle against COVID19. Your continued cooperation in following the prescribed protocols will move us closer to winning the war!

Keep the faith! We’ve got this, Dedham!

Resources

Residents are encouraged to visit the website, dedhamcovid19.com, for all town updates as the COVID-19 situation develops. Visitors can subscribe via email to receive notifications for new posts.

Although Town Hall remains closed to the public, the Health Department is staffed and available to address all questions and concerns. We encourage residents and businesses to contact the office at 781-751-9220 with any questions or concerns. The Board most respectfully asks for your patience and understanding of the demands on the Department. All inquiries and complaints are important and will be addressed. Please remain kind and respectful!

The Board appreciates the continued collaboration with all Town departments in assisting residents and businesses adapt to the new normal.

The Board again wishes to remind the public to properly dispose of gloves and masks at all public locations.

The Board wishes to thank the Health Department staff for their continued dedication during these unprecedented times.

Stay safe and be kind!

Respectfully submitted by the Board of Health

Leanne Jasset, Chairman
Kathy Reda, Vice-Chairman
Mary Ellard, Member

This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.