I, along with the entire Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center, hope you've had a wonderful summer enjoying the outdoors and vacationing safely during the pandemic. As we head into fall and look forward to back-to-school activities, leaf peeping and obligatory apple picking season, I encourage you and your family to continue to be safe. The weather will be colder and gatherings are more likely to be happening inside. It is hard to know what will happen with COVID cases in the New England region but being prepared is wise.

We are in a different place this fall compared to last year. A good portion of Massachusetts is vaccinated, and we have learned a lot over the past year. Remember your basics: wash your hands, don't touch your face, socially distance and mask indoors if you are around non-family members. It is particularly important to mask and distance if you have unvaccinated family members to protect them.

GRMDC continues to offer COVID testing outside in our parking lot for our patients and community members. Please get a test if you have any cold like symptoms - it is easy to call and get an appointment. You may even consider periodic testing to monitor for asymptomatic infection.

You probably have questions surrounding a booster shot. We will follow guidance from our trusted public health authorities and will update our website when it is advised. If booster shots are advised, it will likely be 8 months after your 2nd shot of Moderna or Pfizer. Please continue to check the news or our website and social media for updates. CDC.gov offers up to date information about the booster shot as well.

If you are an unvaccinated person, please consider speaking with us at GRMDC about your concerns in getting vaccinated. It is clear that vaccines prevent severe illness from COVID and prevents hospitalizations and death. We would be very happy to discuss your worries about the vaccine in hopes to protect you and your family from COVID.

Despite the entire past year focusing on COVID, remember that normal cough and cold season is upon us! The flu shot is another way to protect yourself and your loved ones this season. Please make an appointment to get your flu shot!