Relief in the Time of COVID — Vaccination Planning

by James J Wilusz, RS

The Tri-Town Health Department continues to work alongside the Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge Boards of Health members and community stakeholders across the entire county to combat COVID-19. As we pass through major holidays, we had our work cut out for us, but we are battle tested and will fight this pandemic with every weapon we have.

Through the months of November and December, we had to rely on education, monitoring, case investigation and contact tracing within the district, but there is good news coming! We will be getting a major new weapon!

As you all know, vaccines have been approved. During this next phase, boards of health throughout the county will be collaborating to plan and prepare for vaccine distribution and inoculation.

While we do not have details on what that will look like today, rest assured all the county boards of health, Berkshire Health Systems, Fire/Police/EMS services and many, many other organizations will work together to set up vaccine clinics using priority categories as defined by the Commonwealth. Obviously, this is all contingent upon vaccine supply and resources.

While this is a major heavy lift, we want to assure the community that we are prepared to handle this responsibility as a collective team effort. Please check town websites for future details and in the meantime, please continue to practice universal precautions including social distancing, masking, washing hands and limiting exposure/travel to large gatherings outside of your family bubble.

On behalf of the Tri-Town Health District, we thank you for your continued fight and hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday season.

Editor's note: As soon as a plan for distribution of the vaccine in Stockbridge are finalized, SU will send a News Alert.

Jim Wilusz is the Executive Director, Tri-Town Health District which is comprised of the Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge Boards of Health