With influenza severity reaching “high” levels, Marblehead health officials warned residents that the town remains in the midst of a difficult flu season and urged continued vaccination and caution in crowded indoor settings.
During the Jan. 13 Board of Health meeting, member Dr. Amanda Ritvo said hospital visits for influenza-like illness have reached levels not seen since the late 1990s, with roughly 11% of outpatient visits statewide involving symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat.
She reported that 24.7% of respiratory samples tested positive for influenza A in the week ending Jan. 3, down from 32.9%, according to the latest CDC data. She cautioned, however, that the decline is likely the result of delayed reporting during the holiday period rather than a reduction in transmission.
“It’d be great if we’re past the peak, but that doesn’t seem likely,” Ritvo said. “It’s more likely that we have a few more weeks left of high flu activity.”
Despite a mismatch between circulating flu strains and the vaccine, Ritvo emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing severe illness. She also stressed the importance of basic prevention measures, including frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the face in public settings and staying home when sick to limit the spread of infection.
The board also addressed confusion caused by recent federal changes to the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule, which removed several vaccines — including influenza, COVID-19, rotavirus and meningococcal — from routine universal recommendations.
“This change in policy is concerning because it signals that now these illnesses are less dangerous and vaccination is now optional instead of routine,” Ritvo said.
Massachusetts will not follow the revised federal guidance, she said, and will continue relying on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which maintains the prior “evidence-based vaccine schedule.”
Residents are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers and consult state-level guidance when making vaccine decisions.
Police chief meeting on youth substance use and social hosting
Earlier in the meeting, Board Chair Dr. Tom Massaro detailed a recent meeting with Police Chief Dennis King regarding youth substance use and social hosting laws. Describing the conversation as “very pleasant,” he said the two shared concern about protecting young people from the consequences of alcohol and cannabis use.
While both agreed that enforcement plays an important role, Massaro acknowledged that their perspectives differed on enforcement strategies and that no resolution was reached during the meeting. Still, he said the dialogue would continue.
“From my perspective, I am cautiously optimistic,” he said.
Massaro said a key outcome of the meeting was agreement on the need to provide clear, factual information to the public about Massachusetts social hosting laws. In preparation for the conversation, he said he reviewed guidance produced by a district attorney’s office outlining the penalties for hosting gatherings where minors consume alcohol or cannabis.
The document states that people who host such gatherings “risk criminal prosecution,” and that police who learn of such gatherings “have the duty and the right to enter someone’s home to make sure everyone is safe.”
Board member Tom McMahon said that language stood out to him, particularly given how frequently police may be aware of underage gatherings in advance through school-related information.
This material mirrored guidance previously shared with the Current by King, including information from Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker’s office addressing the same state laws governing social host liability, which allow for fines of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both when alcohol is furnished to someone under 21.
King also shared provisions of the town’s local bylaws, which prohibit anyone in control of a residence from allowing minors under 18 to possess or consume alcohol on the premises and are punishable by a $150 fine.
Massaro said he had not previously seen similar materials distributed locally and expressed hope that Marblehead could adapt and circulate such information to make the legal framework more visible to parents, adolescents and other residents.
He said he plans to continue writing columns and working with the police department to ensure residents have access to current research and clear information as discussions continue.
CAHM survey reveals high concerns about stress, depression
The board then turned to preliminary results from the CAHM wellness survey, which drew responses from about 15% of the town’s adult population. The questions, organized around eight dimensions of wellness, revealed high levels of concern about stress, anxiety and depression, particularly among residents aged 40 to 49.
Significant concern was also reported around child and adolescent mental health, substance use and work-life balance. One recurring theme, according to the board, was that residents were seeking resources that already exist but are difficult to find or navigate.
The board plans to work with UMass Boston to organize the data, convene focus groups beginning in March and develop measurable strategic goals that can guide public health policy across multiple town departments.
Town charter review
Much of the early discussion also focused on clarifying the Board of Health’s authority under a proposed town charter, particularly its ability to act quickly in emergencies. Under state law, Massaro said, boards of health occupy a unique role that combines legislative and executive powers, including the authority to issue regulations and, in urgent situations, act without prior hearings.
The board discussed proposing clearer language to reflect that authority, citing scenarios such as water contamination or infectious disease outbreaks as examples of circumstances requiring immediate action.
Transfer station renovation, curbside contract updates
Health Director Andrew Petty reported steady progress on the town’s Transfer Station renovation, with roughly 30 days of construction remaining in the current season. He said that although the facility has already resumed core operations, crews are currently prioritizing completion of the exit lane so vehicles can leave the site without passing through the entrance.
Petty also reported that license plate readers are fully operational and replace the need for visible vehicle stickers, though residents are still required to renew permits annually.
Turning to curbside collection, the deadline to submit bids was Jan. 14. Petty said if bids are approved, the town’s trash disposal contract could begin July 1, while curbside collection would transition in October, allowing the current contract to run its full term.
2026 Wellness Fair
McMahon confirmed that the town’s 2026 Wellness Fair will be held Feb. 28 at Community Center (10 Humphrey St.) featuring local health providers, wellness organizations and community resources.
The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 26.
