City To Receive Less Flu Vaccine This Season

The following was submitted by the Peabody Board of Health:

The local Health Departments of Peabody, Swampscott, and Marblehead would like to inform residents of some important changes in the distribution of free, state-supplied influenza (flu) vaccine for the 2011-2012 flu season. 

In past years, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has provided free, state-supplied flu vaccine to local health departments for distribution to priority groups. Traditionally, senior citizens and adults with chronic illnesses have been among the highest priority groups and the first to be offered vaccine. 

This year, the MDPH has informed all the local Health Departments in Massachusetts that, due to budget constraints, all Health Departments will be receiving less than half of the amount of state-supplied flu vaccine that was provided by the MDPH last year. The MDPH has also stated that the state-supplied flu vaccine MUST be targeted to individuals without health insurance, or individuals who have insurance that does not cover vaccinations.    

Residents of Peabody, Swampscott, and Marblehead who have health insurance or are insured through government programs should make arrangements to receive the flu vaccine from their own primary care providers or alternative sites such as pharmacies.  

The local health directors noted, “For many years, the local Health Departments of Peabody, Swampscott, and Marblehead have been a primary provider of free flu vaccine for our residents, and we regret that we need to scale back on providing this important public service. Flu vaccine is now widely available through doctor’s offices and at local pharmacies, and we hope that our residents will continue to receive the vaccine at these locations. We thank you for your understanding as we continue to work together to improve the health of our communities.” 

Traditionally, flu vaccine is offered early in the fall and continues through the winter months. However, the local Health Departments are sending out this advisory notice early to ensure that all residents have the information they need in order to make alternative arrangements to receive flu vaccine for this coming season. 

Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and over. The local Health Departments urge residents to continue to receive the flu vaccine annually through their health care providers or pharmacy.  

If you need assistance finding a health care provider or have any questions about this important change, please contact your local health department:

      Peabody Health Department  (978) 538-5758