BHS Vaccine Centers Phasing Out Johnson & Johnson

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — Following guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Berkshire Health Systems will discontinue widespread distribution of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at its testing and vaccine centers, effective Jan. 6, 2022.
 
"This decision is based on guidance from the CDC, which recently examined the efficacy, safety, and supply of the J&J vaccine," said James Lederer, MD, BHS Chief Medical Officer/Chief Quality Officer.
 
"In light of these recommendations, the CDC has made it clear that getting any vaccine is far better than remaining unvaccinated. Any patient who would like to request an initial or booster dose of the J&J vaccine, despite known limitations and risks, can call the COVID-19 Hotline to consult with a provider," he explained.
 
Anyone who is currently scheduled for a J&J vaccine or booster at a BHS Testing and Vaccine Center on or before Jan 5 will have the option to receive the J&J vaccine as scheduled or can receive a Pfizer or Moderna dose instead.
 
"For individuals who have received one shot of the J&J vaccine, we highly recommend getting a Pfizer or Moderna booster. If they have already received a J&J booster, we are asking them to talk to their primary care provider about receiving a booster dose of one of the other available vaccines," said Dr. Lederer.
 
The BHS COVID-19 hotline is 855-BMC-LINK (855-262-5465). For more information on the CDC's decision, please visit their website: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1216-covid-19-vaccines.html

Tags: BHS,   BMC,   COVID-19,   vaccinations,   


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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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