Weekly Update - November 6, 2021 - Nashua, NH
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Weekly Update - November 6, 2021
Dear Community Partner,
As the chief public health strategist for the Greater Nashua Public Health Region (GNPHR), the Nashua Division
of Public Health and Community Services (DPHCS) prepares weekly updates to inform our community on
matters related to the health and safety of our community. The Greater Nashua Public Health Region (GNHPR)
includes the towns and cities of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Lyndeborough, Mason,
Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham, and Wilton.
COVID-19 Data Update
Community level transmission is determined by two metrics established in conjunction with the State of
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). When the number of new cases per 100k over 14 days is less than 50 OR the
percent positivity rate is below 5%, a community is designated as "GREEN" or minimal. When cases
exceed 50 per 100k OR the percent positivity rate is between 5% to 10%, a community is designated as
"YELLOW" or moderate. When a community exceeds the highest threshold (>100 cases per 100k OR
>10% positivity rate), a community is designated as "RED" or substantial.
Currently, the city of Nashua is experiencing SUBSTANTIAL community level transmission.
Definitions
Active Case
A case that is currently sick or in
isolation due to COVID-19.
New Infections per 100k
Number of new cases within 14 days
standardized by population size to
compare across groups. This shows
how quickly disease is occurring in
the community or the incidence of
disease.
7-Day Total Test Positivity Rate
Number of PCR and Antigen tests
that are positive compared to the
number of PCR and Antigen tests
that are negative over the past 7
days. A rising positivity rate indicates
a rising number of infections in the
community.
Fully Vaccinated
Percent of residents fully
vaccinated. Full vaccination occurs 2
weeks after the second dose in a 2-
dose series or 2 weeks after a single-
dose vaccine.
Children 5+ Now Eligible for a Free COVID-19 Vaccine
Great news! On October 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized use of the Pfizer-
BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children 5-11 years of age. On Tuesday, November 2, the CDC accepted
the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that children ages 5–11 be
vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for children and adolescents age 5 and up as a 2-dose series,
taken 3 weeks apart. The dose for children age 5-11 is one-third of the dosage of the vaccine for older
adolescents and adults.
Common Questions
Q: Does COVID-19 affect children?
A: "COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalizations, deaths, MIS-C (inflammatory syndromes),
and long-term complications, such as 'long COVID,' in which symptoms can linger for months. During a
6-week period in late June to mid-August, COVID-19 hospitalizations among children and adolescents
increased fivefold." - CDC
Q: Is the COVD-19 vaccine safe for children?
A: The vaccine is safe and effective. Vaccination, along with other preventative measures, is the best
way to protect our children from COVID-19. Before being authorized for children, scientists and
medical experts completed their review of safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials of
thousands of children. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was rigorously tested and reviewed, and more than
11 million adolescents ages 12-17 have already received the COVID-19 vaccine. "Similar to what was
seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 among
children aged 5-11 years." (CDC).
Q: Will my child experience any side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: "In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and
with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm." - CDC
Q: Where can my child get vaccinated?
A: Children in New Hampshire can get vaccinated at local
pharmacies - view the full list here. The Nashua DPHCS is also
hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children and teens in
Greater Nashua on Saturday, November 20, from 9am to 4pm at
the Elm Street Middle School Cafeteria in Nashua - register your
child for an appointment here.
Download and share our clinic flyer!
English
Spanish
Portuguese
Swahili
French
Kinyarwanda
Resources
CDC Press Release: CDC Recommends Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5 to 11 Years
NH HAN: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 5-11 Years Old
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Key Insights on Child Vaccinations
Are you unable to get condoms?
Due to COVID-19, the NH HIV Planning Group is offering up to
25 free condoms that can be delivered to people living in NH.
To order condoms, click here.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is responsible for the most cancer
deaths in both men and women throughout the world, as well as the United States and New
Hampshire. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and
the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation,
and asbestos exposure may also increase risk. View this interactive map for more details.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancers are cancers that begin in the lungs. The two main types of lung cancer are small cell lung
cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung
cancer and usually grows and spreads slowly. Small cell lung cancer is less common, grows more
quickly, and is more likely to spread to other organs in the body than non-small cell lung cancer.
Who is at risk?
Some of the things that put you at risk for lung cancer include:
Smoking or a history of smoking (cigarettes, cigars, or pipes)
Long-term exposure to carcinogens (things that may cause cancer), such as radon, asbestos,
arsenic, and chromium
Being exposed to second-hand smoke at home or at work
A family history of lung cancer
A history of chronic lung disease
QuitNow NH can help individuals quit tobacco. Trained counselors are free for anyone in New
Hampshire. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. To learn more about ways to lower your risk, visit the CDC.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Different people have different symptoms, and some people don't have any symptoms at all. Lung
cancer symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing that does not go away, wheezing,
coughing up blood, chest pain, fever, and weight loss.
How is lung cancer diagnosed? To find out if lung cancer is present, a doctor will look at your medical history, smoking history, exposure to substances at home, and family history of cancer. The doctor will also do a physical exam and may order a chest x-ray or other tests. How is lung cancer treated? Treatment depends on the type of lung cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. - Breathe NH, 2020 Meet our NEW Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator: Pat Henry! "Hello! My name is Pat Henry and I am the new Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the City of Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services. I am excited to join the team. In my role as the PHEP Coordinator, I will be making connections and maintaining partnerships with the different town entities and stakeholders within the Greater Nashua Region. My goal is to ensure that we will always be prepared whenever a public health emergency strikes, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this position, I was the Pandemic Response Public Information Specialist for the City of Peabody in Massachusetts. I am completing my Masters of Public Health degree from MCPHS University in Boston and working on my Certification in Public Health (CPH). On a more personal note, I love to be outdoors. Whether I am hiking, camping, fishing, or kayaking, I love to smell the fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. I am also a little bit of a history nerd, trying to enjoy historical novels whenever I have some free time. I enjoy cooking for myself and my partner, always willing to try new recipes and cooking methods. I look forward to serving the City of Nashua as well as the Greater Nashua Public Health Region!" To contact Pat, please email henryp@nashuanh.gov or call 603-589-4569. Welcome Patrick, we are excited to have you join us!
EQUITY CORNER
A Faith-Based Discussion about NH's Recent Right to Freedom from
Discrimination Statute
On December 2, 2021, at 7:00 pm, the NH Interfaith Collaborative will resume our Faith-Based
Conversations by meeting with Ahni Malachi, Executive Director at NH Commission for Human Rights,
to learn about HB2 Section 354, the Right to Freedom from Discrimination in Public Workplaces and
Education and how claims may be addressed under the statute, AND discuss what our faith traditions
say about what should and should not be taught in school and how the law compares with the statute.
This is an interactive workshop with breakout chat groups. It will take place via Zoom.
Leading the workshop will be:
Susan S. Gabert, Ed.D., Assistant Dean of Students/Director, Campus Ministry, St. Anselm's
College (Moderator)
James T. McKim, Jr., President of the Manchester Branch of the N.A.A.C.P, Chair of the Episcopal
Church’s Executive Council Committee on Anti-Racism & Reconciliation, and Managing Partner
of Organizational Ignition (Panelist)
Anhi Malachi, Executive Director of the NH Commission on Human Rights, and Chair of the
Governor’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion (Panelist)
REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/33rduwme.
2022 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment ends January 15
Did you know? You can enroll in or change 2022 Marketplace Health Insurance right now! The 2022
Open Enrollment Period runs from Monday, November 1, 2021 through Saturday, January 15, 2022.
If you don’t act by January 15, 2022, you can’t get 2022 coverage unless you qualify for a Special
Enrollment Period. Enroll by December 15, 2021 for coverage that starts January 1, 2022. You can
preview 2022 plans and prices now and complete your enrollment.
Visit healthcare.gov to get started.
Salvation Army 2021 Christmas Registration Sign Up
The Salvation Army is offering Christmas assistance sign ups for families
who qualify under the income guidelines.
Where: The Salvation Army 1 Montgomery Avenue
Nashua, New Hampshire 03060 (603-889-5151)
When: MUST REGISTER FOR APPOINTMENT HERE
Wednesdays and Thursdays: October 13 - November 18
Spanish Translation ONLY - Tuesdays: October 12 - November 16
NO applications will be taken after November 18th
Who: You may not apply if you are receiving holiday assistance from any other organization.
Family of 2 – Income under $32,227
Family of 3 – Income under $40,626
Family of 4 – Income under $49,025
Family of 5 – Income under $57,424
Family of 6 – Income under $65,823
Family of 7 – Income under $74,222
You will need to bring the following information to register:
Applicant’s (Parent/Guardian) Identification
Applicant’s (Parent/Guardian) Residence
Children’s Identification (Birth to 12th Grade)
Children’s Residence or Proof of Primary Custody IN Applicants Residence
Household Income
Please note that all things listed are wishes. The Salvation Army will do their best to grant the child’s
wish but they CAN NOT promise items, as they depend on donations from the community.
Greater Nashua Winter Food Resource Guides
DIRECTOR'S BOOK CORNER
Each week, Director Bobbie D. Bagley will provide a book
recommendation!
This weeks book recommendation is...
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
by Angela Duckworth
Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed that the secret to
outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and
persistence she calls “grit.”
Director Bagley recommends Grit for all of those who are working on
furthering their education or self development or even helping their children
succeed, this book is a great read to inspire you to continue in your passion
and nurture the passion of others. The author developed the Grit Scale that can be used to measure
your perseverance and drive to achieve. I have been an over achiever all of my life and found this book
and examples encouraging and reaffirming. As a life long learner having grit gives me 'stick-to-it-ness' to
keep me going!
Order the book here and let us know what you think!
Public Health Resources
Workforce Development Upcoming Events
NHADACA 2021 Annual Meeting - COVID-19 Testing Locations
November 19, 9am - 3pm
Learn More & Register Here COVID-19 Vaccine Locations
2021 Preparedness Summit: Reimagining
Preparedness in the Era of COVID-19 *At this time, we are not offering child lead testing
Learn More Here due to the expansion of the recall for LeadCare
Blood Lead Tests. Please call with any questions.
Job Opportunity: Driver/Health Educator
for SJH Mobile Health Clinic
Apply Here SSANA
November 8 / 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Job Opportunity: Disease Intervention (Between Temple St. and Cottage St., Nashua)
Specialist/Behavioral Health Public
Health Nurse
Apply Here COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Q&A (FB Live)
Hosted by St. Joseph Hospital
Job Opportunity: Part-Time Public Health Join Here
Nurse
Apply Here
Immunizations
November 9 / 4 - 7 p.m.
Nashua Public Health (18 Mulberry St., Nashua)
By Appointment: Call 603-589-4500, Option 2
Additional Resources
Immunizations, STD/HIV/HCV Testing
November 10 / 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Nashua COVID-19 Website Nashua Public Health (18 Mulberry St., Nashua)
By Appointment: Call 603-589-4500, Option 2
Regional Data SSANA
Dashboard November 10 / 2 - 4 p.m.
(29 Temple St., Nashua)
NH Housing Assistance STD/HIV/HCV Testing
November 11 / 3 - 6 p.m.
Nashua Public Health (18 Mulberry St., Nashua)
By Appointment: Call 603-589-4500, Option 2
Regional Food Resources
Immunizations
November 12 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Nashua Public Health (18 Mulberry St., Nashua)
Statewide Resources By Appointment: Call 603-589-4500, Option 2The New Hampshire Public Health Association NHResponds is the system used pre-register (NHPHA) supports science-based public health policy volunteers who are interested in responding in an and has a goal of informing citizenry of changes emergency. Whether you are a healthcare provider, needed in the laws and government in order to administrative specialist, a retired professional, or improve public health. Subscribe to the ”Health in All ready to help in your community, New Hampshire Policies” E-News on their website. needs you. Check it out! City of Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services STAY CONNECTED! Greater Nashua Public Health Network (603) 589-4500 www.nashuanh.gov/DPHCS
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