Flu, COVID-19 Vaccines Available In Belmont: Registration for Oct. 4 Now Open

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Photo: Dates for Fall Vaccine Clinics have been announced

With infection rates for both COVID-19 and the flu outpacing last year’s numbers, the Belmont Health Department has announced its 2023 Vaccine Clinic schedule.

The clinics will take place at the Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Ave. with vaccines for COVID, Flu, Pneumonia, RSV, Shingles, and Tetanus.

The first clinic will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is now open for the Wednesday, Oct. 4 date. Click here to register.

If anyone has trouble registering or isn’t comfortable going online, they are welcome to call the Health Department at 617-993-2720, and we can register them over the phone. At this clinic, we will most likely only have Pfizer available for COVID-19 boosters, but if Moderna becomes available, it will also be offered as a choice at the time of the clinic.

Other clinic dates include:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 11: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 18: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 1: 10 a.m – 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 8: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Take This Survey: Tell The Belmont Health Department How It Benefit Residents

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Photo: The Belmont Health Department wants to know what you think about them

The Belmont Health Department would like residents to take a very short online survey about your experience and opinion about the department.

This survey is intended to measure the ways in which the community benefiting from the work of the health department, and its understanding of the resources available to you. In addition, it wants to identify any expectations or misconceptions concerning the department.

Answering the questions should take no more than 10 minutes, and residents may chose to write additional comments at the end.

Fill out the survey by clicking here.

COVID Vaccine Clinic; Monday, June 5, At Town Hall From 4PM-6PM

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Photo: Covid-vaccine clinic on Monday, June 5 at Belmont Town Hall

The Belmont Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible residents in partnership with VaxinateRX. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available as detailed below:

  • Bivalent COVID vaccine/booster available for anyone eligible, ages 3+ (At Belmont clinics, Pfizer is available for 3+, and Moderna is available for 12+)

The clinics are taking place on Monday, June 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Town Hall, Conference Room 1, 455 Concord Ave.

These clinics are by appointment only and will be operated through a partnership between VaxinateRX and the Belmont Health Department. Look here to register for a vaccine appointment. If you have difficulty with registration call  617-993-2720 or Email: lsharp@belmont-ma.gov for assistance.

Those under 18 need either a parent/guardian with them, or a signed and printed consent form. 

Please present insurance cards and vaccination cards at appointment.

Current CDC/FDA Vaccine Recommendations:

  • 6+ years old: 1 bivalent mRNA dose. Regardless of vaccine history.
  • 6 months through <6 years old:
    • Moderna: at least 2 doses, including at least 1 bivalent dose.
    • Pfizer:
      • 5 years: 1 bivalent dose.
      • 6 months through <5 years old: at least 3 doses, including at least 1 bivalent dose.
  • In Addition, people may now choose to receive an additional optional spring dose if:
    • 65 years of age and older and got a first bivalent (updated) COVID-19 vaccine booster 4 or more months ago.
    • Moderately or severely immunocompromised and received a bivalent (updated) COVID-19 vaccine booster 2 or more months ago.

COVID, Flu and ‘Catch Up’ Vaccine Clinics; Monday, March 13, At Town Hall

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Photo: Multi-vaccine clinic on Monday, March 13 at Belmont Town Hall

The Belmont Health Department is offering three vaccine clinics to eligible staff and residents, including primary and booster shots.

  • COVID-19 vaccines and Flu shot Clinic
  • Adult Vaccine Catch Up Clnic (Tdap)
  • Kids’ Vaccine Catch Up Clinic (Trap, MMR, Meningitis)

What is Tdap? Find out here.

The clinics are taking place on Monday, March 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Town Hall Conference Room 1, 455 Concord Ave.

These clinics are by appointment only and will be operated through a partnership between VaxinateRX and the Belmont Health Department.

Those under 18 need either a parent/guardian with them, or a signed and printed consent form. Monday, March 13, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Hall Conference Room 1, 455 Concord Ave.

Look here for information and to register for a vaccine appointment. If you have difficulty with registration call  617-993-2720 or Email: lsharp@belmont-ma.gov for assistance.

Please present insurance cards and vaccination cards at appointment.

Belmont Health Dept. Holding Covid/Flu Clinic This Wednesday, Jan. 25 At Beth El Temple

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Photo: The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine (credit: Pfizer)

Belmont Health Department is offering vaccinations and bivalent boosters for Covid-19, and a seasonal flu shot to all eligible residents, ages three and older, on Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Ave.

What to know about the clinic:

  • Primary vaccine series for anyone ages 3+
  • Bivalent booster of Pfizer (5+) or Moderna (6+) COVID vaccine for anyone who has completed a primary vaccine series of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after last dose or last booster dose
  • Flu shots will be available for ages three and up
  • Find complete guidance on booster eligibility here.

For children under 18 years of age, this form must be signed by a parent or guardian and presented at the time of vaccination (parent/guardian may not be present as long as signed consent is received). 

Look here for information and to register for a vaccine appointment.

Please bring your insurance (medical and prescription) and COVID-19 vaccination cards to the clinic.

  • COVID vaccines are free for all regardless of insurance coverage
  • Insurance is required for flu vaccines
  • For those covered by Medicare, please bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card in addition to any other insurance cards.

Please present insurance cards, photo ID, and vaccination cards at your appointment.

This clinic will be operated through a partnership between VaxinateRX and the Belmont Health Department. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available.

With County At ‘High’ Level, Belmont Taking A Cautious Approach To Latest Covid-19 Spike

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Photo: Belmont has not sought to bring back a mask mandate with the latest spike in Covid-19.

With the new year of 2023 bringing a jump in Covid-19 related hospitalizations and in overall cases in Middlesex county, the town of Belmont and the school district are taking a deliberate approach in its answer to the surge.

“At the moment, we are cautiously optimistic because we are not seeing a post-holiday spike in COVID-19 related absences in the schools like we had in recent years,” Wesley Chin, director of the Belmont Health Department, told the Belmontonian on Monday.

The Massachusetts reported on Jan. 5 that Middlesex County had reached a ‘High’ community level which is a combination of reported Covid cases and hospitalization due to the coronavirus. The recent spike in cases and those in the hospital was not unexpected as people are spending more time indoors where viruses can easily spread. Nationwide, nearly 20 percent of US counties are at the high level of Covid risk.

When areas reach the high level, the US CDC recommends citizens return to wearing a high-quality mask – N95, KF94 and KN95 – when indoors in public. The CDC also recommends those at high risk of getting very sick – the elderly and those with compromised immunity – to consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed.

“If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for getting very sick, consider testing before contact and wearing a high-quality mask when indoors with them,” advised the CDC in a press release.

So far, the Health Department is taking a watch and advise approach to the recent surge.

On the day the high level was reported, the town’s Health Department shared a shared a ‘COVID-19 Safety’ infographic with the community to remind residents about the readily accessible tools at hand that can help protect individuals from severe infections from COVID-19. (See the Infograph at the bottom of the page)

“The Health Department continues to monitor local and regional COVID-19 metrics. We are also in regular contact with the Head of Nursing and Superintendent for the Belmont Public Schools to monitor student and staff attendance throughout the district,” said Chin.

Initial data has been promising, said Chin.

“At the moment, we are cautiously optimistic because we are not seeing a post-holiday spike in COVID-19 related absences in the schools like we had in recent years. Additionally, COVID-19 waste water data provided by MWRA suggests that current COVID-19 infections may be on the decline in the north region,” said Chin.

While the town has not reinstated an indoor mask mandate for public and private locations with common spaces, “Belmont will always be a mask friendly community,” said Chin. “But, the best way to prevent adverse outcomes is to continue to stay up to date with bivalent booster shots,” he said. Belmont ended its indoor mask mandate in March 2022, approximately two years after it was declared.

In that regard, Belmont is ahead of the game with a high rate of vaccination among residents, with most age groups having reached a 95 percent-plus fully vaccinated rate.

While vaccinations do not prevent contracting the virus, it does lessen the severity of the illness and in nearly all cases of those fully vaccinated will prevent an hospital stay.

“We believe the high rate of vaccination in Belmont is likely playing a protective role in allowing us to weather the current surge of cases in the Northeast with less disruption to everyday life this year,” said Chin.

https://www.appointmentquest.com/scheduler/2180061935?schedule=belmontvaccineclinic

With Middlesex County Now At ‘High’ Level For Transmission, Belmont Health Holding Covid Vaccine/Flu Clinic Thurs., Nov. 12 At Beth El

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Photo:

With Middlesex County having recently been elevated to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s “High” Community Level for COVID-19 transmission risk due to increased hospitalization rates in this part of the state, Belmont Health Department is offering vaccinations and bivalent boosters for Covid-19 and a seasonal flu shot to all eligible residents, ages three and older, on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Ave.

What to know about the clinic:

  • Primary vaccine series for anyone ages 3+
  • Bivalent booster of Pfizer (5+) or Moderna (6+) COVID vaccine for anyone who has completed a primary vaccine series of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after last dose or last booster dose
  • Flu shots will be available for ages 3 and up
  • Find full guidance on booster eligibility here.

For children under 18 years of age this form must be signed by a parent or guardian and presented at the time of vaccination (parent/guardian may not be present as long as signed consent is received). 

Look here for information and to register for a vaccine appointment.

Please bring your insurance (medical and prescription) and COVID-19 vaccination cards to the clinic.

  • COVID vaccines are free for all regardless of insurance coverage
  • Insurance is required for flu vaccines
  • For those covered by Medicare, please bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card in addition to any other insurance cards.

Please present insurance cards, photo ID, and vaccination cards at your appointment.

This clinic will be operated through a partnership between VaxinateRX and the Belmont Health Department. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available.

If you have difficulty with registration call  617-993-2720 or

With ‘Tripledemic’ Still Around, Belmont Health Offers Flu, Covid Clinic Thursday, Dec. 29

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Photo: The Dec. 29 clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to noon.

With the “tripledemic” – COVID, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) – remaining a threat to children and adults, Belmont Health Department is offering vaccinations and bivalent boosters for Covid-19 and a seasonal flu shot to all eligible residents, ages three and older, on Thursday, Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Ave.

What to know about the clinic:

  • Primary vaccine series for anyone ages 3+
  • Bivalent booster of Pfizer (5+) or Moderna (6+) COVID vaccine for anyone who has completed a primary vaccine series of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after last dose or last booster dose
  • Flu shots will be available for ages 3 and up
  • Find full guidance on booster eligibility here.

For children under 18 years of age this form must be signed by a parent or guardian and presented at the time of vaccination (parent/guardian may not be present as long as signed consent is received). 

Look here for information and to register for a vaccine appointment.

Please bring your insurance (medical and prescription) and COVID-19 vaccination cards to the clinic.

  • COVID vaccines are free for all regardless of insurance coverage
  • Insurance is required for flu vaccines
  • For those covered by Medicare, please bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card in addition to any other insurance cards.

Please present insurance cards, photo ID, and vaccination cards at your appointment.

This clinic will be operated through a partnership between VaxinateRX and the Belmont Health Department. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available.

If you have difficulty with registration call  617-993-2720 or Email: dekman@belmont-ma.gov for assistance

Before The Winter Recess Starts, Get A Boost Against Covid, Flu On Thursday, Dec. 15

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Photo: Photo: Pfizer Covid vaccine (credit: Pfizer)

Just before the start of the Winter Recess when families head off to travel and attend family reunions, give yourself a boost of protection from the worst of Covid and the flu. The Belmont Health Department is offering a two-fer: vaccinations and bivalent boosters for Covid-19 and a seasonal flu shot to all eligible residents, ages three and older, on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Ave.

What to know about the clinic:

  • Primary vaccine series for anyone ages 3+
  • Bivalent booster of Pfizer (5+) or Moderna (6+) COVID vaccine for anyone who has completed a primary vaccine series of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after last dose or last booster dose
  • Flu shots will be available for ages 3 and up
  • Find full guidance on booster eligibility here.

Register for a vaccination appointment HERE.

Please bring your insurance (medical and prescription) and COVID-19 vaccination cards to the clinic.

  • COVID vaccines are free for all regardless of insurance coverage
  • Insurance is required for flu vaccines
  • For those covered by Medicare, please bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card in addition to any other insurance cards.

Please present insurance cards, photo ID, and vaccination cards at your appointment.

This clinic will be operated through a partnership between VaxinateRX and the Belmont Health Department. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available.

Having difficulty registering? Call 617-993-2720 or Email: Lsharp@belmont-ma.gov for assistance

Belmont Health Dept. Holding Covid Vaccine/Flu Clinic Wed., Nov. 17 At Beth El

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Photo: Pfizer Covid vaccine (credit: Pfizer)

Belmont Health Department is offering vaccinations and bivalent boosters for Covid-19 and a seasonal flu shot to all eligible residents, ages three and older, on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Ave.

What to know about the clinic:

  • Primary vaccine series for anyone ages 3+
  • Bivalent booster of Pfizer (5+) or Moderna (6+) COVID vaccine for anyone who has completed a primary vaccine series of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after last dose or last booster dose
  • Flu shots will be available for ages 3 and up
  • Find full guidance on booster eligibility here.

Register for a vaccine appointment HERE.

Please bring your insurance (medical and prescription) and COVID-19 vaccination cards to the clinic.

  • COVID vaccines are free for all regardless of insurance coverage
  • Insurance is required for flu vaccines
  • For those covered by Medicare, please bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card in addition to any other insurance cards.

Please present insurance cards, photo ID, and vaccination cards at your appointment.

This clinic will be operated through a partnership between VaxinateRX and the Belmont Health Department. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available.

Having difficulty registering? Call 617-993-2720 or Email: Lsharp@belmont-ma.gov for assistance