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COVID News, Updates, and Resources
Are you eligible for a 2nd booster?
The CDC recommends everyone ages 12 years and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. The following people are eligible for a 2nd booster dose that will help to maintain strong protection against COVID infection.
  • People 50 years and up can get a 2nd booster 4 months after the 1st booster. 
  • People 12 years and up with certain immune deficiencies can get a 2nd booster 4 months after the 1st booster. 
  • People 18-49 years old with certain immune deficiencies and who got Johnson & Johnson as both their primary dose and first booster shot can get an mRNA booster (Pfizer or Modern) 4 months after receiving their J&J booster dose.
¿Es elegible para un segundo refuerzo?
El CDC recomienda que todas las personas mayores de 12 años reciban un refuerzo de la vacuna contra el COVID-19 después de completar su serie primaria de vacunación contra el COVID-19. Las siguientes personas son elegibles para una segunda dosis de refuerzo que ayudará a mantener una fuerte protección contra la infección por COVID.
  • Las personas de 50 años en adelante pueden recibir un segundo refuerzo 4 meses después del primer refuerzo.
  • Las personas de 12 años en adelante con ciertas inmunodeficiencias pueden recibir un segundo refuerzo 4 meses después del primer refuerzo.
  • Las personas de 18 a 49 años con ciertas inmunodeficiencias y que recibieron Johnson & Johnson como dosis principal y como primera dosis de refuerzo pueden recibir un refuerzo de ARNm (Pfizer o Moderna) 4 meses después de recibir su dosis de refuerzo de J&J.
Is one-way masking effective?
Short answer: yes! Mask mandates are no longer being enforced in many public spaces. While masks work best at decreasing the spread of viruses when everyone is wearing them, wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask worn correctly still decreases your own risk of catching COVID-19 even if no one else is wearing one. You get the best protection from a N95 or KN95 mask that seals well on your face and remains in place. There should be no gaps around the nose, chin, or cheeks. Read more information in NPR article and this NY Times summary of mask effectiveness studies.
¿Es efectivo el enmascaramiento unidireccional?
Respuesta corta: ¡sí! Los mandatos de máscara ya no se aplican en muchos espacios públicos. Si bien las máscaras funcionan mejor para disminuir la propagación de virus cuando todos las usan, usar una máscara de alta calidad que se ajuste bien y que se use correctamente aún reduce su propio riesgo de contraer COVID-19, incluso si nadie más la usa. Obtiene la mejor protección con una máscara N95 o KN95 que se ajusta bien y que se sella bien en la cara y permanece en su lugar. No debe haber espacios alrededor de la nariz, el mentón o las mejillas. Lea más información en el artículo de NPR y en este resumen de los estudios de eficacia de mascarillas del NY Times.
Feeling confused about treatment options?
Learn more about treatments on our new webpage. Treatment is available for people who are at increased risk of severe disease and test positive. Treatments need to be started within 5 days of testing positive or becoming symptomatic. Call your doctor or (508) 213-1380 to speak with a Gothams representative. Find treatment locations.
¿Se siente confundido acerca de las opciones de tratamiento?
Obtenga más información sobre los tratamientos en nuestra nueva página web. El tratamiento está disponible para las personas que tienen un mayor riesgo de enfermedad grave y dan positivo. Los tratamientos deben iniciarse dentro de los 5 días posteriores a la prueba positiva o la aparición de síntomas. Llame a su médico o al (508) 213-1380 para hablar con un representante de Gothams. Encuentre ubicaciones de tratamientos.
Latest COVID Data
Visit the Western MA COVID-19 Data Dashboard for the latest COVID-19 data for the region.
Upcoming Events in the Region
  • Film, Conversation, & Community- Multifaceted Exploration of Health Equity, 4/14/22-5/18/22: Join the Western Massachusetts Health Equity Network this spring for a multifaceted exploration of health equity, including live performance, site-specific cultural exploration, festive refreshments, MOSAIC film premiere, and stellar post-screening panels leading us in conversations on racism and community health in our region. There will be an event in Amherst, Holyoke, Springfield, Great Barrington, Florence, and Turners Falls. Each event will be unique, so feel free to join more than one! Learn more and register.
  • Screenagers: NEXT CHAPTER film showing, 5/3/22 - 5/17/22: The SPIFFY Coalition, along with some other coalitions in the region, are co-sponsoring a showing of the next Screenagers documentary. Filmmaker and physician Dr. Delaney Ruston takes the conversation around screens and teens to the next level with Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience. Learn more and register.

  • 26th Annual Community Baby Shower, 5/14/22 at 10:00 am at Commerce High School (415 State Street, Springfield): Join the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services Maternal Child Health Commission, numerous local health agencies, and businesses for this free event with entertainment, refreshments, raffles, and educational information. Learn more.
  • Office of Problem Gambling 2022 Virtual Stakeholder Listening Sessions, 5/25/22 & 6/2/22: The Office of Problem Gambling Services brings together a variety of community partners, community members, and advocacy groups to participate in annual Stakeholder Listening Sessions (SLSs). This year’s SLS will contribute to the development of the 2022 Office of Problem Gambling Service’s Strategic Plan. These sessions are held in the casino host communities of Everett and Springfield.  Learn more and register.

  • History of Tobacco, Slavery, and Health, 6/24/22 from 12:00-1:15 pm: Join us for a webinar hosted by Wanda Givens, featuring Michael Scott from the Center for Black Health and Equity and Doris Cullen from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Stay tuned for more information!
Leadership Pioneer Valley Launches Search for Executive Director
LPV seeks an innovative, creative, and inspirational Executive Director to spearhead the organization’s growth and regional impact. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. The first-round interviews will be offered to selected candidates who apply by end of day Friday, May 6, 2022. Learn more at www.leadershippv.org.