Information from the Board of Health on Respiratory Sickness Prevention
Prevent Respiratory Sickness
Each year, respiratory viruses cause millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the US. Flu and other types of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are spread mainly by airborne droplets released by talking, sneezing or coughing.
There are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others:
- Get vaccinated. Vaccines are available for all major fall and winter respiratory diseases.
- Put physical distance between yourself and others in public spaces, and when you feel sick.
- When you sneeze or cough, use a promptly disposed of tissue, or the crook of your arm.
- Handwash regularly and use a hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
- Clean surfaces such as door handles and railings.
On Sept 4 Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state, including respiratory virus vaccines, like COVID, flu and RSV. DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein also issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five and older.
For up-to-date information on where to find respiratory vaccines throughout Franklin County please see https://frcog.org/project/vaccine-information/#FindaVaccine.
If you need help accessing vaccine, please contact Franklin Regional Council of Governments Cooperative Public Health Service Nurses Lisa White or Meg Ryan at 413-774-3167 x 156.
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Posted: to General News on Mon, Sep 8, 2025
Updated: Thu, Oct 23, 2025
