PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After announcing mandatory employee COVID-19 vaccination in early August, Berkshire Health Systems has seen an increase in the number of employees who have received the vaccine.
When the mandatory vaccination policy was announced, nearly 80 percent of the BHS workforce had been vaccinated. In the following weeks, that rate has risen to 90 percent.
"We're very proud of the tremendous accomplishments of our BHS team since the beginning of the pandemic 15 months ago. Our vaccination rate is just one more indication of our team's commitment to caring for our community," said David Phelps, President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. "With the FDA's recent full approval of the Pfizer vaccine, many employees who had been awaiting this approval have stepped forward to be vaccinated. This helps to protect their colleagues, our patients, and the community we all serve."
BHS set a deadline of Oct. 1 for all BHS community members to be vaccinated. The announcement followed an order by the state Department of Public Health that long-term care staff must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 10.
Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association issued a statewide policy statement endorsing mandatory vaccination for all Massachusetts hospitals and health system employees. As an MHA member, BHS joined other hospitals across the state in supporting the MHA's policy and affirming that mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective way to prevent its spread and protect public health.
The FDA gave final approval to the Pfizer vaccine on Aug. 23, and BHS Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer Dr. James Lederer said this represents a pivotal moment in the pandemic.
"Full approval carries with it the confirmation that the Pfizer vaccine is safe, effective and has met the rigorous standards required by the FDA. We hope that this offers reassurance to those who are cautious about receiving the vaccine," said Lederer. "Over the past 18 months, publicly available scientific information about COVID-19 and its vaccines has changed rapidly."
Lederer said all three vaccines were given emergency use authorization after undergoing rigorous testing. Since the introduction of the vaccines, robust monitoring programs have been in place to address safety concerns. To date, there have been no reported long-term side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines are the most effective way of preventing serious illness caused by COVID-19. In Massachusetts, over 5 million people have received at least one dose, of which 4 million are fully vaccinated.
"While cases continue to rise across the state, hospitalizations remain relatively low in comparison to earlier in the pandemic," said Lederer. "We now know that the highly contagious Delta variant can infect individuals who are vaccinated, however fully vaccinated people are much less likely to be hospitalized or die than those who are unvaccinated."
Berkshire Health Systems continues to encourage community members to continue learning about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines from trusted sources such as the CDC, FDA, and WHO. The BHS Testing Centers in Pittsfield and North Adams, and Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington provide the COVID-19 vaccine. Walk-ins are welcome.
To speak with a trained healthcare professional who can answer questions about COVID-19 vaccination or to make a vaccine appointment, call 1-855-BMC-LINK (1-855-262-5465).
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Pittsfield Veteran Turns 102
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Mayor Marchetti presents Salatino with a proclamation recognizing his service and contribution to the community. Salatino will turn 102 on Nov. 27.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city resident and veteran was recognized this week as he closes in on his 102 birthday this month.
On Tuesday, Anthony "Tony" Salatino Jr. was honored during the City Council meeting for this impressive milestone. He was born on Nov. 27, 1922, in Polia, Calabria, Italy, and came to Pittsfield in 1937 with his older brother to join their father.
"I am very honored to be here tonight," he said to a room full of community members, friends, and family before they erupted into applause.
Mayor Peter Marchetti said Salatino experienced challenging times during the Great Depression but always focused on building a strong foundation for his family. He joined the Army in 1943 and after completing training in Virginia, was stationed in England and France for about three years.
Marchetti said he hoped to present Salatino with the proclamation on Veterans Day, the prior day, but it didn't work out.
"I don't think I've ever stood next to someone who was 102 years-to-be," the mayor said.
The Pittsfield High graduate was a corporal and medical technician at Headquarters Medical Corps and received an honorable discharge in 1946.
"In 1947, Tony's many years of hard work paid off when he was able to bring the rest of his family from Italy to Pittsfield, Mass., and provide them with a home," Marchetti read from the proclamation.
With the help of federal and state funds, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is trying to make streets safe and equitable for all modes of transportation. click for more
On Friday, the ribbon was cut for Truffles by Tarah at 48 North St. Offerings range from classic favorites such as dark chocolate to lavender lemonade.
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