The Marion Board of Health has not forgotten about its agenda to ban flavored nicotine and tobacco products in Marion, products like flavored “e-liquid” vaping juice and flavored cigars, but the focus for now is on flu clinics to provide flu shots to residents who want one.
For the most part, Marion Health Agent Karen Walega said on October 9 that the flu clinics are “dominating everything” for the time being at the Marion Public Health Office. There has been a steady stream of residents seeking flu vaccinations, she told members of the Board of Health, and although there has been enough staff for the clinics at the Town House and the Council on Aging at the Community Center, the department had been “scrounging” a bit for staff.
When asked about whether the board would take up the matter of flavored nicotine any time soon, Walega reassured the public that, once flu shot season was over, the board would revisit the topic and continue towards a flavored tobacco and nicotine ban. Once a draft regulation is completed, the board will hold a public hearing for public input.
“There’s just so much going on,” Walega said. “We will get back to that: we just don’t have the time right now.”
Flu shots are free to Marion residents, sponsored by the Board of Health; however, donations are accepted. For more information about getting your flu shot you can call Public Health Nurse Kathleen Downey at 508-748-3530.
In other matters, the board approved a variance for a septic system for 295 Delano Road.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health will be part of the Marion Rochester Regional Health District meeting scheduled for October 24 at 4:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
Marion Board of Health
By Jean Perry