NAHANT — With vaccination mandates being implemented around the country — including in Boston — the town is taking a unique but effective approach to battling COVID-19.
With Boston recently announcing a proof-of-vaccination mandate, Town Administrator Antonio Barletta said that Nahant is in constant communication with its neighbors about guidance in regards to mask mandates and proof-of-vaccination requirements, but as of now, the town has no plans to instill these measures.
“We have felt that education has been the most effective way of changing behavior,” said Barletta. “That works in our community. What works in our community is different than what works in our neighboring communities. They have different demographics, different commercial and residential makeup.
“Every community is different,” he said. “You have to look at what all of these other communities are doing and evaluate if that is effective for your particular community.”
According to Barletta, Nahant has ranked in the top of the state in regards to vaccination rates since the vaccine became readily available. The town also recently hosted a COVID-19 vaccine and booster drive that saw more than 200 residents get their third dose.
Nahant also made an effort to educate the younger generation by hosting a vaccine clinic aimed at students, as well as parents and teachers. Residents received their second dose from the clinic on Tuesday.
The town also has COVID-19 resources on its website, as well as in physical form at Town Hall. Most recently, the town sent out a study that the state Department of Public Health conducted, which showed that 97 percent of COVID-19 cases in vaccinated individuals don’t result in severe illness.
“We felt that it was important to highlight,” Barletta said.
