2022-04-19-BOH-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Belanger provided the rabies vaccine waiver request letter and other documents relevant to the waivers. Dr. Geller expressed his concerns on rabies because it is dangerous and may cause a major health issue. Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to ratify the approval for the waivers from the rabies vaccine requirements for these animals that have been approved and have letters written by veterinarians. Dr. Geller seconded. Roll Call Vote: Dr. Perlmutter — Yes, Mr. Flynn — Yes, Ms. Wolf-Fordham — Yes, Dr. Geller — Yes, Dr. Heiger-Bernays — Yes. Motion carried 5 to 0. All in favor. Unanimously moved. COVID 19 Status and Discussion Dr. Heiger-Bernays stated there are two issues that Board of Health continue to focus on: vaccination and ventilation. She stated the Covid-19 vaccination rate of the first booster was lower than initial vaccination rate. This will make BOH focus on figuring out why residents remain unboostered and identify some options for improving the booster' rates. She also stated ventilation for indoor spaces, especially in schools, should remain a priority for Covid-19, influenza and other diseases. She strongly suggested DPW continues to take CO2 measurements and not just once a day, which she stated is insufficient. She stated the ventilation and air quality monitoring should continue, and should be followed up on. Dr. Geller agreed that boosting vaccination is an issue. Dr. Perlmutter was provided second booster information at his senior assisted living facility. He inquired about the second booster rate. Ms. Belanger stated the second booster is only allowed for 50+ and certain people. It is not broadly recommended and is not tracked take the first booster. Dr. Heiger-Bernays stated the State reported vaccination rates of people between 28 and 42 years old,who could be vaccinated and who could be boosted but are not, are only in the 60%. The rates should be higher. Dr. Perlmutter took over the meeting as chair formally at 7:24pm due to the absence of Chair Dr. Heiger-Bernays. Ms. Belanger stated the Covid positive numbers increased again.But fortunately,free home testing kits were still available. The home testing results are undocumented. Dr. Perlmutter clarified this increase is considered to be a bump but not a surge, because it is a slight increase. He stated that Covid tracking will continue since the mask mandate in transportation changed. Ms. Belanger stated she encourages mask wearing and also to be accepting of people that are wearing masks because of personal reasons. Dr. Perlmutter recommended continue to provide education to residents because it is difficult to identify unboostered people specifically. Mr. Flynn expressed his appreciation to the town website as a source of information, and his recommendation of second booster vaccination. He suggested the locations where to get booster 4