CHP Berkshires Offering Second Senior Covid Vaccine

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — CHP Mobile Health is now offering the second updated Covid-19 vaccine to adults 65 and older, and to people of all ages who are immunocompromised. 
 
Vaccines are available with the CHP Mobile Health teams whenever they are on the road. The schedule can be found at chpberkshires.org/mobile
 
Data continues to show the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19. An additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine may restore protection that has waned since a fall vaccine dose, providing increased protection to adults ages 65 years and older, according to the CDC. 
 
Adults 65 years and older are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. More than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations during October 2023 to December 2023 occurred in this age group, the CDC reported. 
 
"CHP Mobile Health is a quick and convenient way for people to get their second updated vaccine, whether or not you are a patient of CHP Berkshires," said Michelle Derr, senior vice present of CHP Family Services and Mobile Health. "We encourage our Berkshire residents to take advantage of this service to update their vaccines." 
 
The second dose of the updated vaccine is given at least four months after the first dose was received. 
 
Patients with questions may contact CHP Mobile Health at (413) 528-0457. 

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Butternut Fire Expands to Sheffield, Covering 1,100 Acres

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The fire expanded during to the night to cover more than 1,100 acres. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Butternut Fire has expanded tenfold, now covering almost 1,100 acres of forest and spreading to Sheffield.

Just before noon on Wednesday, the town reported that the wildfire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain had unexpected growth overnight. It spread over 100 acres on Tuesday and on Wednesday, was estimated to cover slightly less than 1,100 acres.

The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.

Around 2 p.m., the Great Barrington Fire Department reported via Facebook that "significant fire" was extinguished by using a Blackhawk helicopter to drop 600 gallons of water. Water is now being pulled from Three Mile Pond in Sheffield.

The blaze is being referred to as the Butternut Fire due to its proximity to Ski Butternut, which has confirmed there is no damage to the ski area.

"At this time the fire is more than a quarter of a mile from the nearest structures and there are not any immediate threats to the public. There have NOT been any evacuation orders at this time. We have strategically placed structural fire crews in the areas where there is the POTENTIAL for us to operate in a protection mode to protect homes and property," the town's press release reads.

"In the event of a need for an evacuation order, residents will be notified through Code RED along with in-person door-to-door notifications of the affected area — an information post will be shared on how to sign up if you are already not signed up."

The fire was first reported Monday evening and by 9 p.m., firefighters were pulled from the mountain because of the hazardous conditions. On Tuesday morning, neighboring departments were called in to help contain the blaze.

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