Naugatuck Valley Health District announces October flu clinic schedule

 

Derby Little League schedules 2 instructional clinics

 

Griffin Health, Safe Kids offer monthly child passenger safety clinics in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Health and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley offer free monthly child passenger safety clinics every third Tuesday of the month from 3-5 p.m. in the Griffin Health Community Outreach parking lot at 4 Mountain St.

The clinics will help parents, caregivers and children learn the importance of child car seats, how to properly install them and the appropriate positioning of a child in car seats or booster seats. Free new car seats will be available to families that qualify through a grant from Safe Kids Worldwide and State Farm Insurance.

Appointments are required.

To register or for more information, contact Cathi Kellett at ckellett@griffinhealth.org.

Wellness clinics slated at Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia

 

Rochelle partners with Griffin Health to promote vaccination clinics

As part of an effort by community leaders to reduce COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in Ansonia, state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/ Derby, has partnered with Griffin Health to create video public service announcements that dispel vaccine misinformation and promote the benefits of vaccination for individuals and the community.

The videos are part of an aggressive campaign by Griffin, the city and local organizations to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in Ansonia. 

The campaign has been a positive force in the community, featuring outbound phone calls to individuals and neighborhood canvasing, ongoing vaccination clinics with promotional assistance from local radio stations, including the Vax the Valley clinics on Mondays, and vaccination incentives such as gift cards for local business and passes to Quassy Amusement Park.

Vaccine hesitancy is an important issue in Ansonia. 

According to data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, young Ansonia residents appear to be the majority of the vaccine hesitant with 38.6 percent of residents between the ages 12 and 17 years having initiated vaccination. 

At the state level, 57.9 percent of residents 12 to 15 years have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 

Of Ansonia residents aged 25 to 44 years, 55.68 percent have initiated vaccination compared to 66.2 percent of 25 to 34-year-olds and 74.9 percent of 35 to 44-year-olds statewide.

"The vaccine is available throughout the community, but local vaccination rates have stagnated in Ansonia. They lag rates across the region and state. We're finding that people in the district may be hesitant to get the vaccine, or have taken a wait and see approach. I encourage these residents to speak with their doctor, a medical professional, or public health official to get the best information on the vaccines. These videos feature community members who wish to encourage others in Ansonia to get vaccinated and slow the spread new COVID-19 cases. With the Delta variant being twice as infectious, it will take everyone in our community doing their part to protect those who cannot get protected. This means masking up and rolling up our sleeves to get vaccinated when we can," said Rep. Rochelle.

The outreach campaign will aim to encourage residents across the city to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Rochelle and Griffin Hospital have enlisted the help of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Joel E. Smilow Unit Director Breon Sanders, Iglesia De Dios Nuevo Comienzos pastor Dennis Marroquin, and Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Assistant Director of Unified Sports and Student Activities Henry Rondon to help build public trust in the vaccine's safety and efficacy. 

Additional videos will be forthcoming as well.

“Griffin Health is committed to making lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination accessible to all eligible adults and adolescents," said Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel.. 

"To fulfill our commitment, Griffin operates vaccination centers in Shelton and Naugatuck and has partnered with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to offer vaccination clinics across the lower Naugatuck Valley and throughout the state of Connecticut staffed by our 35 Mobile Vaccination Teams. 

"As part of our aggressive effort to address and overcome vaccine hesitancy, we are proud to partner with inspiring community leaders like those featured in these public service announcements to communicate that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to protect everyone from the harm caused by COVID-19.” 

While new COVID-19 cases dipped in June and July, they have risen over the past several weeks, causing public health and medical experts to become more concerned about the Delta variant. 

The proportion of COVID-19 cases caused by the Delta variant has increased from 14.6 percent from June 3 through 9 to 100 percent from July 22 through August 4. 

The Delta variant has been found to be more contagious than other COVID-19 strains and can be transmitted from people who are vaccinated. While recent studies have found that vaccinated individuals can transmit the virus, it is important to note that vaccinated individuals are better protected against a severe COVID-19 infection.

According to state data from August 3, of the over 2.11 million Connecticut residents who are fully vaccinated, about 0.06 percent have contracted the virus. Of the .06 percent who have a breakthrough case, only 7.23 percent have been hospitalized with COVID-19. It is important to note that most COVID-19- related hospitalizations are among unvaccinated individuals.

There is also concern that more young adults are landing in the hospital with the Delta variant. On Friday, August 6, there were 67 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Yale-New Haven Hospital system. Over half were between the ages of 30 and 59. Only seven patients were over 80 years old.

"Everyone has their different opinions on why you should or should not get the vaccine. My choice to receive the vaccine was a personal decision. I decided to do this to protect my children and the hundreds of children the Boys & Girls Club serves," said Sanders.

In children, COVID-19 has been linked to multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome (PMIS). 

The condition is rare but can be life-threatening if not treated.

Public health experts are continuing to research if the Delta variant causes more severe illness than previous strains. 

Medical and public health experts say vaccination remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves against severe COVID-19 illness.

Griffin Health is expected to roll out the videos, which will be posted on social media, in the coming days. Residents who would like to get vaccinated against COVID-19 have the following options:

• Vax the Valley clinic at the former Ansonia Community Action building, 4 Fourth St. (lower level) on Mondays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, 121 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia: walk-in COVID-19 vaccination Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Griffin Hospital Vaccination Centers in Shelton and Naugatuck offer walk-in COVID-19 vaccination
• 10 Progress Drive, Shelton: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-noon. .
• 727 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck: Monday - Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-noon.
• Naugatuck Valley Health District, 100 Bank St., Seymour, Friday, 10 a.m. to noon: walk-in vaccine clinic or individuals can schedule an appointment in VAMS.

• Residents can find additional vaccine sites at https://bit.ly/3CA1Grx. They can also call CT's Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224 from 8 a.m-8 p.m., 7 days a week.

A list of locations that Griffin Hospital's mobile vaccine clinic will be visiting is available at https://www.griffinhealth.org/Coronavirus-COVID19-Information/COVID-19-Vaccination.

Residents who need assistance or have questions may contact Rochelle at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or by calling her office at 860-240-8585.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Klarides-Ditria: Griffin hosting vaccine clinics in Derby, Ansonia

I wanted you to know that in the next two weeks, Griffin Hospital will be hosting several Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics for residents of Derby and Ansonia! In addition to Griffin’s weekly Thursday vaccine clinic at the Ansonia Armory, they are also teaming up with Iglesia de Dios Nuevos Comienzos, the Boys and Girls Club and Abundant Life Ministries to host vaccine clinics at those locations. The clinics will be held on April 22 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Armory in Ansonia; April 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Iglesia de Dios Nuevos Comienzos in Derby; April 28 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley in Ansonia; and April 30 from 9 a.m.-noon at Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia. These free to the public walk-in clinics are available without appointment and the vaccine will be administered on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.  Masks are required and social distancing will be enforced. Insurance information will be collected at registration, but insurance coverage is not required.  Those being vaccinated will incur no out of pocket cost.  “Griffin’s courageous caregivers have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities with a range of vital services from heroic hospital care for those suffering serious complications of coronavirus infection, widely available COVD-19 testing that helped limit the spread of COVID-19, and now lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination in mass vaccination sites operating in Shelton and Naugatuck as well in numerous community-based clinics throughout the Valley and beyond intended to bring vaccination into the neighborhoods where people live in order to make it highly accessible.  "We are grateful for the opportunity to provide community vaccination clinics in Derby and Ansonia and appreciate the tremendous support and collaboration of community leaders and organizations who have facilitated vaccination events and actively participated in our outreach effort,” said Pat Charmel, President and CEO of Griffin Hospital.  “I want to thank Griffin Hospital and Pat Charmel for always working to address the health needs of the Valley and for making sure residents throughout the area have free, safe and local access to these vaccines,” Klarides-Ditria said.  “The doctors, nurses and thousands of other caregivers who make up the Griffin family have always gone above and beyond for us. They are true heroes.”

Sincerely,

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.

Klarides-Ditria shares info on COVID-19 vaccine clinics for veterans

The VA Connecticut Healthcare System is hosting several Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics for veterans at locations throughout the state.
Other clinics and locations are added to the VA's online calendar as they are scheduled, so please check back often.

Upcoming Clinics:
April 10 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - New London Clinic, 4 Shaw's Cove (Johnson and Johnson)
April 11 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Connecticut Veterans Home, 287 West St., Rocky Hill (Moderna)
April 12 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - West Haven campus, 950 Campbell Ave., Donaldson Center, Bldg. 2, 2nd floor (Pfizer)
April 13 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Newington campus, 555 Willard Avenue, Bldg. 2E basement (Johnson and Johnson)
April 14-16 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - West Haven campus, 950 Campbell Ave., Donaldson Center, Bldg. 2, 2nd floor (Pfizer)
April 15 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Newington campus, 555 Willard Ave., Bldg. 2E basement (Moderna)
April 17 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Harding High School, 379 Bond St., Bridgeport (Johnson and Johnson)

No appointment is necessary but appointments are available during clinic operating hours by calling 203-932-5711 ext. 5627, 7784 or 7754.

Vaccine at walk-in clinics is first come first served and while supplies last. Masks required. 

To ensure social distancing, the VA asks that attendees not bring anyone to the clinic.

Sincerely,

Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo shares COVID-19 vaccine information

 

Snowstorm forces closing of Griffin COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Shelton, Derby

Due to inclement weather, the Griffin Health COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics at 10 Progress Drive, Shelton and at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby will be closed starting at 3 p.m. TODAY, Feb. 18.

We apologize for any inconvenience and offer the following make-up times for the cancelled appointments.

For appointments at 10 Progress Drive in Shelton:

* Individuals scheduled between 3-4 PM on Feb. 18 can come to the Shelton location between 7-11 AM on Sat., Feb. 20.

* Individuals scheduled between 4-5 PM on Feb. 18 can come to the Shelton location between 7-11 AM on Sun., Feb. 21.

* Individuals scheduled between 5-6 PM on Feb. 18 can come to the Shelton location between 8 AM - 4 PM on Mon., Feb. 22.

For appointments at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., in Derby:

* Individuals scheduled to receive their vaccination at Griffin Hospital between 3-6 PM on Feb. 18 can come to Griffin Hospital between 8 AM - 4 PM on Mon., Feb. 22.

Griffin Hospital in Derby starts to hold COVID vaccine clinics for caregivers

Griffin Health Chief Medical Officer Frederick Browne was the first to be vaccinated Tuesday at Griffin./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Per the State of Connecticut's plan for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, Griffin Health will receive 975 doses this week.

Griffin started administering the vaccine to staff members Tuesday, Dec. 15 around noon and will be holding ongoing vaccination clinics at Griffin Hospital for caregivers. 

The first to receive the vaccine was Griffin Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Frederick Browne. (above)

Leslie Vidic, MST in the Griffin Hospital ICU, receives the vaccine Tuesday./ Contributed photo

Director of Pharmacy Services Lisa Jaser, Pharm D, opens the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine for healthcare workers at Griffin Hospital in Derby./ Contributed photo

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Naugatuck Valley Health District schedules flu clinics

SEYMOUR - The Naugatuck Valley Health District will offer influenza vaccine clinics to residents of #Ansonia, #BeaconFalls, #Derby, #Naugatuck, #Seymour and #Shelton during the months of September, October, and November.

All residents are welcome to any of the clinics listed below, and appointments are not necessary.

Clinics will be held at the following locations:
- Oct. 3, 9-11 a.m. - Naugatuck Senior Center
- Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Shelton     Senior Center
- Oct. 12, 9-11 a.m. - Ansonia Senior Center
- Oct. 16, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. - Derby Senior Center
- Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. - Warsaw Park, Ansonia
- Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m.- noon - Seymour Senior Center

Additional clinics will be available by appointment at Naugatuck Valley Health District, 98 Bank St.

The Health District accepts the following insurances; Aetna, Cigna, ConnectiCare, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Medicare Part B. There is no copay to those who have insurance. We are not able to accept Medicare Advantage plans, Oxford or United HealthCare. Those who are eligible should bring the proper insurance cards.

The cost of the flu vaccine for those who do not have insurance is $30 for the quadrivalent vaccine, and $60 for the high dose vaccine for those 65 years and older. Acceptable forms of payment are cash, debit or credit card.

All clinic attendees should wear loose fitting clothes with short sleeves.

Children (3 years and older) needing flu shots will be accommodated by appointment at regularly scheduled immunization clinics at the district office in Seymour.

Elderly homebound persons who cannot attend any of the clinics may contact the Health District at 203-881-3255 to make arrangements for a nurse to administer the vaccine at home. Such individuals should have permission from their physicians for the influenza vaccine and have insurance through the above noted insurers.

Clinic dates may be added or revised. 
For more information regarding the district’s flu clinic schedule, please call Naugatuck Valley Health District, 203-881-3255, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Naugatuck Valley Health District office is located at 98 Bank St., and serves residents of the municipalities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour, and Shelton. 

Clinic schedules are also posted on www.nvhd.org and NVHD’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


This information is shared from the health district's Facebook page.

Naugatuck Valley Health District offers flu clinics at senior centers

The Naugatuck Valley Health District will offer influenza vaccine clinics to residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour, and Shelton during the months of September, October and November. 

All residents are welcome to any of the clinics listed; appointments are not necessary.

The Naugatuck Valley Health District office is located at 98 Bank St., Seymour, and serves residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour, and Shelton.

Clinic schedules are also posted on the NVHD website at www.nvhd.org.


This is a press release from Naugatuck Valley Health District.