New Haven leaders encourage vaccinations ahead of colder months

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — New Haven city leaders and health care professionals want you to get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.

The mayor, city health director, and New Haven Public Schools assistant superintendent received their flu shots Friday, aiming to spread the word about flu, COVID-19, and RSV as we head into the colder months.

“This is not just about keeping yourself from potentially missing a day of school or work, but this is actually keeping yourself out of the hospital,” Mayor Justin Elicker said.

City leaders are making sure everyone has an opportunity to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses this fall and winter.

“We are kicking off a campaign that’s going to encompass grassroots and social media outlets, including our CT Transit communities and local radio stations, to make sure that we’re getting the word out,” City of New Haven’s Health Director Maritza Bond said. “I know that many of you are also preparing for the holiday season – and as we gather together more frequently indoors, the risk of getting a respiratory illness increases.”

New Haven saw over 4,200 hospitalizations and nine deaths due to the flu, COVID-19, and RSV last season.

“It keeps yourself healthy,” Elicker said. “We’ve got such busy lives today and really can’t afford to be sick.”

City leaders said vaccinations are essential to getting through the colder months with a clean bill of health, especially with kids in schools every day.

“Losing a few days each month to sickness can prevent a kid from getting all the skills they need to learn the next level, be ready for the next school year,” New Haven Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Paul Whyte said.

“We want to make sure that they don’t get really sick, so that they’re in school, learning, that we keep our absentee numbers down,” Elicker said.

It’s the latest effort by educators and the city to keep kids learning in the classroom.

“The more people vaccinate, the better the entire learning community is for the school year,” Whyte said.

The city is leading the effort across platforms and neighborhoods to make sure everyone has access to a vaccine this fall – free of charge.

“The price is right because if you’re underinsured or uninsured, we got you, and we will not charge you a fee,” Bond said.

For more information on clinics in your community, visit the New Haven Health Department’s website .

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