City, Health Dept. Urge People To Get Flu, Covid-19, RSV, Vaccinations

NEW HAVEN, CT - On Thursday morning with fall underway, Mayor Justin Elicker, Health Director Maritza Bond and Assistant Superintendent Paul Whyte encouraged New Haven residents to get their updated annual immunizations for flu, COVID-19 and (if eligible) respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

Following their remarks, the three received flu vaccines at the Health Department’s Health and Wellness Center.

In the 2023-2024 respiratory illness season, there were 4,261 hospitalizations and 9 deaths among New Haven residents due to flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Immunizations help protect individuals against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. In addition, the state requires children ages 3-4 who enrolled in pre-kindergarten to get vaccinated for the flu by December 31 or they cannot return to school.

The Health Department’s Health and Wellness Center provides free and low-cost flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and no appointment is needed. Most insurance plans cover the cost of these immunizations, and no uninsured or under-insured resident who is unable to pay will be turned away. A full list of the center’s hours and other community flu clinics and resources about vaccines can be found at NHVHealth.org/vaccines.