Upcoming Events

Flu Vaccine Clinics – October dates now open



The Newton Health and Human Services Department is pleased to announce our community vaccine clinics now with October dates. Both the MA Department of Public Health and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months and older should get the annual flu vaccine.

The clinics will be held at Newton City Hall War Memorial Auditorium (1000 Commonwealth Avenue on the second floor; follow the signs to the War Memorial Auditorium). Appointments are preferred, but we welcome walk-ins. Insurance information is requested but not required. For more information on the flu vaccine, click here. If you have any questions, contact the Newton Health and Human Services Department at 617-796-1420 or health@newtonma.gov. Interpreter services available in 200+ languages, including ASL.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

First observed in October 1981, Domestic Violence Month is held each October as a way to unite advocates across the nation in their efforts to end domestic violence. This month is dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and working toward safe and healthy communities. Domestic violence affects individuals and families across all backgrounds, and increasing awareness is an important step toward prevention and healing. Together, we can break the silence, share resources, and stand in solidarity with survivors.

If you or someone you care about needs help, you can call the REACH Beyond Domestic Violence hotline 24/7 at 1-800-899-4000 or visit their website for support.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month



For nearly four decades now, each October, we come together to raise awareness about breast cancer, honor survivors, and remember those we’ve lost. Each year in the United States, about 240,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men. About 42,000 women and 500 men in the U.S. die each year from breast cancer.

Mammograms can detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt, but self-exams are also important. By regularly checking your breasts, you become familiar with their normal look and feel, making it easier to notice changes. If you see or feel anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider. Learn how to perform a self-exam here.

Substance Use Prevention Month

Data shows that people considering ending or reducing their alcohol or other drug use are more successful when supported by someone with lived experience. We are pleased to welcome Erin Lubien as a Peer Recovery Coach dedicated to supporting residents of Newton, Brookline, Arlington, and Belmont.

Funded by a RIZE-Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant awarded to the Metro Public Health Collaborative, Erin brings both personal and professional experience to the role of Peer Recovery Coach. After decades of a successful corporate career, raising a family, and living in the suburbs, she found herself in need of help and began her own recovery journey. Since then, she has become a certified Recovery Coach and is now available to support Newton residents who are struggling with substance use, as well as their loved ones.

Recovery Coaches work alongside people to explore their goals and create their own paths to healthier living—one step at a time.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or other drugs, please reach out for support. Contact Erin directly by sending an email to mphcrecoverycoach@gmail.com.

Find more information on substance use resources click here. You can also learn about the Newton Coalition for Community Wellness (CCW), which is committed to addressing substance use through compassion, care, and community connection.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendation Update

In September, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Northeast Public Health Collaborative released COVID-19 vaccine guidance for 2025-2026, protecting access for residents in Massachusetts. The guidance  states anyone aged 6 months and older may receive the COVID vaccine, and it should especially be given to those at a higher risk for severe disease such as children under 2 years, adults 65 years and older, pregnant persons, and those with underlying medical conditions. For more information, including vaccine locations near you, click here.  

Health and Human Services

1000 Commonwealth Ave

Newton, MA 02459

health@newtonma.gov

(617) 796-1420