Public Health Nursing

The main focus of the Public Health Nurses is communicable disease prevention and control. This is accomplished by being part of the Vaccine for Children Program (VFC) which provides mandated state vaccines to children entering the Somerville Public Schools, annual flu shot clinics throughout the city for both insured and uninsured children, adults and seniors, tetanus (Td) and Tdap vaccines for those who are in need of a booster, and by disease investigations and case management services. 

The Public Health Nurses also provide tuberculosis (TB) testing for those who need a test done prior to starting a new job, school, etc. and offer both single and two-step testing.

Since 9/11/01, Hurricane Katrina, and other subsequent manmade and natural disasters, an important component of our work has been Emergency Preparedness Planning. This has included developing dispensing sites for medication in the event of pandemic disease, natural disaster, or bioterrorism event, creating shelters in the event of excessive heat / cold or loss of property due to a fire, and other various emergencies throughout the city.

All Somerville residents are invited to participate in Emergency Preparedness planning by becoming part of our Medical Reserve Corps, which is part of a nationwide association of volunteers devoted to providing an organized response to public health emergencies. To register as a Region 4B MRC Volunteer please visit https://www.maresponds.org to being the process. 

*Please note: in order to be a volunteer, a CORI must be completed. That form is available at the Public Health Nurses office and can be verified on site as long as you bring proper identification (State ID or Passport)*

The City of Somerville Health and Human Services also encourages families to develop and practice Family Emergency Plans in case of an emergency in the city so their family knows what to do. To find out more information on what should be included in your emergency plan, a fillable version of your plan and activities for children to include them in preparation please visit www.ready.gov. 

If you have any questions about Public Health Nursing in the City of Somerville, about how you can become a volunteer thorough MA Responds, or family emergency plans please call Celeste Gearhart, Director of Public Health Nursing at 617-625-6600 x 4306.