Board schedules Sept. 23 flu clinic, shifts sharps disposal to fire department; issues rodent and West Nile advisories

The Town of Charlton Board of Health announced a series of public‑health items during its Sept. 16 meeting: a scheduled flu clinic, a change in sharps disposal, guidance on rodent infestations, and state West Nile virus alerts.

Board staff said a flu clinic is scheduled for the 23rd at the senior center from 9 a.m. to noon; vaccinations will be charged to patients’ insurance when possible, and staff noted a prior computer‑billing problem prevented charges last year. The board said no one will be turned away at the clinic.

The meeting record shows the town has moved sharps (used needles) disposal to the Charlton Fire Department at Power Station Road. Board staff said the fire department will accept sharps at designated times and that the change relieves the Board of Health of the increasing cost of handling sharps; the town also expects the fire department to dispose of needles collected from emergency medical service calls.

Health staff warned residents of an increase in rodent complaints, especially where dumpsters have holes, lids are missing or plugs are not used, and where animal feed (for chickens, horses, etc.) is left exposed. Staff advised residents to ensure dumpster lids are closed, plugs are in place, and bulky or rotting containers be reported to the dumpster contractor (Casella) for replacement.

The board also said tick kits remain available for residents and that state health alerts indicate West Nile virus activity in nearby communities; staff recommended residents use EPA‑registered mosquito repellents and consult state risk maps on mass.gov, and said they would post links on the town website.