Apr. 28. While local and statewide case rates, including a few cases recently reported to both schools, have continued to incrementally rise, the hospitalization rates have (thankfully!) continued to stay relatively low: a testament to the value of vaccinations. All eligible persons are encouraged to schedule their Covid Vaccinations and/or Boosters for waning immunity. ...
Nurse's Updates
April 26, 2022: SPIFFY (the Strategic Planning Initiative For Families & Youth of Hampshire County) is seeking parent / caregiver opinions related to youth substance use and mental health to inform future prevention work.
Please see the flyer in this post for further info.
April 15: The arrival of milder temperatures is inspiring all of us to spend more time in the great outdoors. Here are some helpful reminders to help us keep ourselves healthy:
* Tick-Borne Disease Prevention. Experts have predicted higher than usual tick activity in our region this Spring.
* If you haven't already done so, this is a good time to...
April 5, 2022. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that the expiration dates on the iHealth brand rapid antigen Covid test kits has been extended by three months. Additional information is available through the MA Dept. of Public Health website Home Test Info Page.
The free iHealth kits continue to be available through the DESE...
March 23, 2022.
We’ve come a long way since the WHO declared that SARS Cov2, the virus that causes COVID, had become a global pandemic in March, 2020. Since then, the ongoing development and accessibility of personal and public health measures have greatly reduced serious illness from viral transmission here in the U.S. However, we also recognize that many...
March 16, 2022. Calling all HES Families! If your child has received their primary 2-dose Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccines, would you please send a copy to School Nurse Manager Jean Hobbie by March 25. Screenshots of the Covax cards that include the date administered may be emailed to Nurse Jean at jhobbie@hatfieldps.net; faxed copies may be sent to (413) 247-0482...
Feb. 16, 2022. To help families plan for the upcoming February break, please note the following resources:
New State Home Covid-19 Test Kit Program. Families who have "opted in" to this program will be receiving their kits this week. If you're able to do so, DESE DPH strongly encourages families to test their students just prior to returning to school on either Feb. 27 or...
Feb. 9. The Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, MA invites parents, caregivers, and community members to learn how to help young people who experience anxiety, depression, and stress at an open virtual forum on Feb. 15 at 6:30 pm. Please see the attached pdf for more information and register at this link.
Feb. 4, 2021. Vaccine manufacturer Pfizer has recently announced that they are ready to seek EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for their Covid vaccine for young children ages 6 months through 4 years old npr article: Covid Vaccines Approval Process for Young Children. As with all medical and health considerations, parents are encouraged to discuss this vaccine with the...
Jan. 28, 2022. Please note the following Covid Management Protocols:
* Please check your emails on a regular basis for notifications of a potential exposure; sent as needed.
* Routine Pooled Testing has been changed to once per week (Tuesdays) per DESEDPH guidance.
* Both fully vaccinated individuals and those who have tested positive within the last 90 days and who have...