Nantucket Cottage Hospital is aware of the new state mandate requiring influenza vaccination for students before Dec. 31, 2020.

At this time, the hospital has not yet received its allocation of flu shots for the community but we expect to receive it over the next few weeks. We are actively planning our annual flu shot clinics for patients and will be working closely with the Nantucket Public Schools and the Town of Nantucket Health Department to expand access and availability this fall. We will announce the dates of our annual flu shot clinics and all other immunization initiatives as soon as possible on our web site, social media platforms, and through the local newspapers and radio stations. There will be ample time and opportunities for all students to receive their immunization.

State officials announced Wednesday that influenza immunization will be required for all children 6 months of age or older who are attending Massachusetts child care, pre-school, kindergarten, K-12, and colleges and universities.

“Every year, thousands of people of all ages are affected by influenza, leading to many hospitalizations and deaths,” said Dr. Larry Madoff, Medical Director for the state Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. “It is more important now than ever to get a flu vaccine because flu symptoms are very similar to those of COVID-19 and preventing the flu will save lives and preserve healthcare resources.”