City, State Officials Promote Annual Vaccinations In Preparation For Respiratory Illness Season

NEW HAVEN, CT —Mayor Justin Elicker and Health Director Maritza Bond along with Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Comptroller Sean Scanlon and Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani held a press conference to encourage New Haven and Connecticut residents to get updated annual immunizations for flu, COVID-19 — and, if eligible, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

There were 300 children hospitalized because of RSV infection due to the need for additional oxygen, Yale New Haven Health officials said.

Last year, during the 2024-2025 respiratory illness season, there were 1,678 hospitalizations due to flu, COVID-19 and RSV and seven deaths due to flu among New Haven residents. Immunizations help protect individuals against serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

In addition, the state requires children ages three to four years old who enrolled in pre-kindergarten to get vaccinated for the flu by Dec. 31, or they cannot return to school.

Amidst changing federal guidance for COVID-19 vaccinations, last month, the CT DPH commissioner released guidance “similar to those issued in previous years, recommending that children six months and older receive the vaccine, as well as adults of all ages,” which are available at local pharmacies without a prescription.

The New Haven Health Department’s Health and Wellness Center provides free and low-cost flu and COVID-19 vaccinations — and no appointment is needed, nor is any uninsured or under-insured resident who is unable to pay turned away.

A full list of the center’s hours along with other community flu clinics and resources about vaccines can be found at NHVhealth.org/vaccines.