We are busier than ever here at the Public Health Nurse’s Office. ‘Flu and COVID vaccine clinics are in full swing. We have so many residents taking advantage of the biweekly clinic at the Senior Center (27 Francis Farm Rd.) and homebound resident request line. The clinics are at the Senior Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30am to 1pm and are first come first served. It helps if you could call to let me know you are coming so I can take out enough vaccine. Home visits can be requested on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm by calling 508-252-5947, ext. 3127. If you are calling to request a homebound visit, please leave a message with your name, number and home address, and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours (If you call after 12 noon on a Friday, I’ll return your call on the following Monday)
I am starting to see an upswing in COVID cases here in Rehoboth. I recommend that you consider both vaccines, particularly if you have any chronic disease, and in particular, respiratory disease. One should also be very careful around those who have chronic illnesses, in particular, caregivers. As we continue into the holiday season and are in close gatherings with friends, family and indeed colleagues, please exercise caution: face masks, handwashing and avoid gatherings if you are sick or exposed to illness. If you or your charges have a fever, STAY HOME, until you are 24 hours fever free without any medication.
At this time, I don’t have the RSV vaccine, however talk to your PCP about your eligibility and where you can receive the vaccine. Most of the large pharmacies have it in stock. RSV, also known as Respiratory Synticial Virus, is a very serious upper respiratory virus that threatens the airway with severe swelling, and ultimately, occlude the airway. It is most common in small children but has been seen in adults also. The vaccine is a once in a life time vaccine per the research that was recently completed and released by the CDC.
The next Podiatry clinic in January 2nd from 9am-12n. I have a couple of appointments left. You can call the above number also to see what is available for appointments. The cost of the office visit is $35, you can also request a homebound visit and those are $75. I don’t have many of those left, but call me and we’ll see what we can do.
I am still seeing occasional cases of Lyme disease, so please continue tick precautions while out in your garden, in grassy areas or if you have pets who are out and about and might bring the ticks in on their coats.
Our bereavement support group is on hold for the moment, while we get through the vaccine clinics and home visits.
The police and EMS services have been wonderful in keeping me informed, when appropriate, of those who might benefit from a home wellness check after any 911 responses. If you are aware of a loved one who need a wellness check, please reach out and we will see how we can help.
As we head into the December holiday season and celebrations, I would ask that we all be aware of the many residents in our community who will benefit from donations of food, clothing and holiday gifts for our local children. Watch out for the various places around town who are accepting such donations, including our Food Pantry.
And lastly, this bothers me so but continue to be vigilant about scams over this giving time of the year. We are still hearing about people being scammed when a phone call asks for money to help your child/family who are in trouble in the hospital or in jail. Never send money until you are absolutely certain it is a valid request. If you have any doubt, please call the police for help. And remember, the IRS never calls you, texts or e-mails about an undeliverable package are most like a scam and if you don’t recognize a number don’t answer the call or text. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message! For further information on scams, the following is a great source from the FBI: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams
I’ll sign off for now, with the extension of our blessings and warmest wishes for a safe and healthy holiday season. See you next year!
Sincerely,
Geri Hamel
Public Health Nurse
508-252-5947
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