April 2024

Greetings from the Wellesley Health Department! In this issue...

-Updated COVID guidelines

-Lots of great workshops and events

-Get ready for tick season...and more!

As always, please reach out to us with questions or suggestions for how we can better serve you by emailing us at health@wellesleyma.gov. We love to hear from you!

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Register for CPR/Narcan Certification here. Ages 16+ only.

Click here to register for Fire Extinguisher Training.

Free Workshop! "You Don't Have to Change to Change Everything", Wellesley Free Library, May 20th, 7-8PM

In this illuminating “workshop style” talk, clinical psychologist and author Beth Kurland will share about her newest book You Don’t Have to Change to Change Everything: Six Ways to Shift Your Vantage Point, Stop Striving for Happy, and Find True Well-Being. She will teach you three ways to shift your vantage point to deepen your “well” of well-being and help you meet the ups and downs of life with greater ease. Register and learn more.

thrive

Parents & caregivers are invited to take part in the workshop series, “Building Resilience: Supporting Youth Mental Health,” held at the Wellesley Free Library Wakelin Room on May 8 and May 22 at 6:30 p.m.

The series is sponsored by Thrive Wellesley and will feature guest speakers from Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s The Resilience Project. It is designed to help families - parents, guardians & caregivers - gain a better understanding of the skills, community support, and resources for developing positive mental health and connections within their families. Join for either or both sessions. Register now through the WFL website: https://wellesleyfreelibrary.libcal.com/

Next event: May 22 – Building Resilience in Kids and Ourselves

New CDC Guidelines For COVID and Other Respiratory Viruses

Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses. Current MA guidelines remain in place although the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has indicated plans to adopt the new CDC guidelines soon. Visit our website to see the new CDC guidelines and learn more.

FREE COVID Tests Now Available!

The Health Department has free tests available for Wellesley Residents. Tests can be accessed outside the Health Department office on the 2nd floor of the Warren Building, 90 Washington St., M-F 6:00 AM -Close. Tests are available until supplies run out.

What You Need to Know About Measles

The CDC is reporting an increase in cases of measles, with 113 cases between December 1, 2023 and April 5. 2024, of which 7 were international travelers. Most of the cases were among children and adolescents who had not been vaccinated for measles. See the latest CDC alert here.

The best protection against measles includes getting vaccinated, taking extra caution if you are traveling (especially if you are traveling abroad), recognizing signs and symptoms and seeking medical help immediately if you think you have been exposed.

Learn more about measles and the importance of getting vaccinated.