|
|
Total Confirmed Cases |
New Confirmed Cases |
14-day Percent Positivity |
Fully Vaccinated Residents |
|
Dedham |
6,010 |
15 (since Sept. 1, 2022) |
6.77% |
20,941 |
|
MA |
1,845,953 |
7,790 (week of August 31, 2022) |
7.88% |
5,458,137 |
NOTE: These numbers do not include people who tested positive with at-home antigen tests.
COVID-19 Fall Boosters
On September 1, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updated recommendations for Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters for people aged 12 years and older. The updated booster dose is a bivalent formula that boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and also protects against the newer Omicron variants that account for most of the current cases.
Staying up to date on vaccines, including boosters, is the most effective way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. While vaccine protection decreases over time, boosters restimulate the immune system and increase vaccine efficacy again. Boosters are an important defense, even if you’ve already had COVID-19.
The CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up-to-date on vaccinations by getting an updated booster dose at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 shot—either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. Pfizer’s updated booster shot is authorized for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s is authorized for adults 18 and older.
The bivalent booster will be offered to senior residents at the senior (65+) flu clinic on Tuesday, October 4th between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the American Legion (155 Eastern Ave). Contact the Dedham Council on Aging at (781) 751-9495 to reserve your spot!
Mental Health Resources for Dedham Residents
Dedham residents have access to mental health resources through William James College’s INTERFACE referral services. Residents can call the program’s helpline Monday-Friday from 9 AM- 5 PM to work with a Resource and Referral Counselor who will help them navigate the challenges of finding mental health services. Please call the helpline at (617) 332-3666 for assistance, or visit INTERFACE’s website here.
Stay safe and be kind!
Respectfully submitted by the Board of Health,
Leanne Jasset, Chair
Noreen Guilfoyle, Vice Chair
Bernadette Chirokas, Member
