Hanover Fire Department Receives Approval Allowing Paramedics to Assist with Administration Immunizations

The Hanover Fire Department is excited to announce that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has approved our request to allow paramedics to administer immunizations to residents.  This approval is part of a formal community EMS project and further expands the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program’s ability to provide health services to the community.

Working in collaboration and under the oversight of the Hanover Board of Health and public health nurse, this approval allows members of Hanover’s MIH team to assist and support the town’s efforts to provide influenza immunizations to residents.  With the increased promotion of influenza immunizations for the general public this season, combined with the requirement that students in schools receive influenza immunizations, having paramedics capable of supporting public health with the administration of flu shots is a benefit for all involved.

Hanover Public Health Nurse Nancy Funder said of the new capability of the MIH program: “I’m pleased to have the Hanover Fire Department paramedics assisting with both the planning of and execution of our seasonal flu clinics this year. We expect that more residents will want a flu shot this year and working together we will be able to ensure that those who want a flu shot will be able to receive one through the town”.

The Town of Hanover is finalizing plans to host public flu immunization clinics in the near future.  Dates will be determined soon but we anticipate early to mid-October for the start of public clinics.