Boston, MA (May 3, 2020) — The message to stay home and steer clear of healthcare facilities unless it's absolutely necessary because of COVID 19, is causing many parents to postpone their children's vaccinations.
In response to this dilemma, South End Community Health Center (SECHC) piloted a vaccine clinic last Tuesday, May 5, at its satellite site, the Dr. Gerald Hass Center, 400 Shawmut Avenue, in the South End. For information on future clinics, please check the website at sechc.org or call 617-425-2000 and ask for Pediatrics.
The Hass Center, Boston's only full time, full service elementary school-based health center, closed on March 13thwhen the state closed all schools. SECHC will re-open the facility to Health Center families to meet the health care needs of their children, particularly 4 year olds, in a safe environment. That is the age that children are due a panel of critical booster vaccines including tetanus, pertussis, measles, and polio.
While traveling vaccine vans deployed in some areas are able to vaccinate a handful of children a day, the clinic will allow up to 40 children to receive their boosters.
According to SECHC Pediatric Director Dr. Robyn Riseberg, "The health of our children is a major priority as we fight COVID. They need all of their required vaccinations in order to stay healthy. We're doing everything we can. This will also give us an opportunity to check in with Mom or Dad (as only one adult and a child are allowed per visit) to see how they're managing in the face of this crisis. We will be distributing food, clothing, diapers, wipes, and formula in addition to gift cards, games, books and educational toys to help families who are struggling financially." SECHC serves a predominantly lower-income Latinx population.
"We are doing everything in our power to serve the entire Boston community during this pandemic, "said Interim President and CEO Dr. David Belton. "We are figuring out ways, like telehealth and scheduling well visits separate from urgent care appointments, to help residents to stay healthy during this public health crisis."