Important Influenza (FLU) Update

Updated February 12, 2010

The flu season is upon us and the H1N1 influenza is still circulating in our community. The City of Somerville still has both seasonal and H1N1 vaccine available for those who wish to receive it.

If you would like to be vaccinated against the flu, please visit the Health Department located at the City Hall Annex, 50 Evergreen Ave. any Thursday from 5pm to 7pm

Please remember that children between the ages of 6 months to 9 years old require a second dose of the H1N1 vaccine for full immunity. If your child has received the first dose, they may receive the second dose and complete the vaccination process from the Health Department during our Thursday evening hours.

As we enter the time of year when seasonal flu will become more common, it is important to remember that every year in the United States on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets seasonal flu; 
• More than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of seasonal flu complications:
• About 36,000 people die from seasonal flu.

Since H1N1 came on the scene in April of 2009 over 1,750 residents of Massachusetts have been hospitalized with H1N1 flu, including 17 people who died as a result of getting this type of flu. 

For the most up-to-date information and clinic schedules, please visit here often or or dial 311 (617-666-3311 from outside of Somerville).

Remember, getting vaccinated, washing your hands and covering your cough protects you and the rest of our All America City!

The Health Department is in frequent contact with MADPH to assure that we have the most up to date information to pass onto you about this ever changing situation. We have been and will continue to add links to the website to keep you up to date with the latest guidance so you and your family can stay healthy.

As this health issue has evolved, City staff has followed the guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MADPH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and www.flu.gov. Please click on these links to get the most up to date information on the flu.

People with flu-like systems should self isolate from the onset of symptoms until 24 hours after symptoms AND fever resolves without the use of medication.  

Self isolation means not going to school or work, not engaging in social activities including after school activities and sports, and otherwise avoiding congregating with others during that period of time. It is wise to be prepared in case you or a family member needs to stay home for that period of time. Consider stocking up on emergency supplies including enough food and water to shelter in place for the 7 day period. Visit www.ready.gov. to find out more.  If you have a friend or family member who is home-bound, you may also want to consider gathering supplies for them as well.  If you are the parent or guardian of a school age child, it may also be a good idea to talk to your child's teacher about books or materials you may want to have on hand if your child needs to miss school due to flu or other illness.

You CAN protect your health, the health of your family, and the Health of Somerville by following this simple advice

• Get vaccinated
• Wash your hands often. Watch this short video and put your hands together.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
• Use cough etiquette (cough into your elbow) cover your cough
• If you get sick with flu -STAY HOME!

We will continue to update the Web site with information as it becomes available from our partners in public health and safety. Please be on the lookout for information on this web site. 

The Health Department would like to thank all of our partners who assisted us in keeping the All America City healthy with a special thanks to Mayor Curtatone and the Office of the Mayor, City of Somerville Communications Office, 311, City of Somerville Public Schools, City of Somerville Department of Public Works, The City of Somerville Police and Fire Departments, City of Somerville Council on Aging, The Cambridge Health Alliance, The Immigrant Service Provider Group, The Welcome Project, and those who volunteered for events. 

Be well!