SPRINGFIELD – With rates of flu statewide listed as “very high,” city officials issued concerns this week about the low vaccination rate across Hampden County.
This season a total of 66 people statewide have died from the flu, including four children in the eastern part of the state. The child deaths, which haven’t happened since 2013, prompted City Councilor Brian Santaniello to call a Health Committee meeting to discuss ways to address the risks, he said.
This year, vaccination rates have been lower than the state average in Hampden County. About 49% of people aged 65 to 75 have been vaccinated in the region, while statewide, that number increased to 57.3%. The rates are lower for those who are 50 to 60, with 29% vaccinated in Hampden County and 35% vaccinated in the state.
Roy Goodman, director of elder affairs, said the city offered flu clinics at five locations this fall, including senior centers, and the number of people vaccinated was lower than usual. He said he isn’t sure if more people were simply receiving shots elsewhere or if they just didn’t get one.
Adding to the low vaccination rate is the fact that this year’s formula does not work as well at preventing infection. Even if the vaccination does not prevent the flu, it can lessen its severity, said Helen Caulton-Harris, commissioner of health and human services.
“This year’s vaccination is not as effective because we did not get one of the circulating viruses in it,” she said.
She said she is concerned that the vaccination rate has dropped because of policy and staffing changes at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is recommending fewer shots. Caulton-Harris said she is now following the Massachusetts Department of Health standards, which has joined with a coalition of other states to continue to recommend flu shots.
Caulton-Harris said people can still get the flu shot either though one of the local pharmacies or at their doctor’s office.
For those who do come down with the virus, she said there is little people can do. She advised they should keep in touch with their health practitioners if they have a high fever or other serious symptoms. She asks people to stay home if they are sick to avoid spreading it the flu.
Baystate Medical Center recently began mandating mask wearing at the facility for staff and visitors. Patients are encouraged but not required to wear one.
