Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Health district offers pilot adult vaccine program

Naugatuck Valley Health District has begun implementation of a pilot Adult Immunization Program funded through a 2012 grant from the Katharine Matthies Foundation. 
Established in 1987, the Foundation supports and promotes quality educational, human services and health care programming for under-served population in the Valley. 
Through the grant, the district will offer outreach, health education, and vaccines to individuals in higher risk population groups, including aging and elderly individuals, health and child care workers, and people at risk for blood borne disease whether by occupation or lifestyle.

In cooperation with nursing students from Fairfield and Sacred Heart Universities, NVHD public health nurses will provide educational programs and materials at each of the district’s senior centers. 
In addition, information will be provided to child care facilities and long term care facilities in the district regarding the availability and importance of adult immunizations. Employers are encouraged to share the information with their staff, and in particular with those who may not have received these important vaccines due to lack of insurance or other financial resources.

The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, pertussis, and diphtheria and is recommended for adults who have close contact with young children in order to protect the child from contracting pertussis. 
The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended to protect against a serious liver disease that can be spread by close personal contact. 
The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for adults at risk for coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids. 
        Tdap, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B vaccines will be provided for uninsured adults working in the district’s child care and long term care facilities. 
       Vaccines will be given by appointment and those who do not have insurance are eligible to take part in the pilot immunization program. 

       For more information regarding immunization programs, call 203-881-3255 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
 
      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.


This information is taken from a press release from the Naugatuck Valley Health District. 

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