Updates You Need to Know

hurricane
August 25, 2021
From Hurricanes to heat waves, there is always something to talk about, and prepare for, when it comes to the weather. Though we dodged Henri, it is still hurricane season, so now is a good time to prepare for both predicted and unexpected storms. Below are some reminders about how you and your family can prepare for hurricanes and extreme weather events, which are predicted to be more common in the coming years.
Vaccines and Vaccine Records

In the past couple of weeks, the news about vaccines – approvals, mandates, boosters and more, continues to evolve. Though Connecticut remains one of the most vaccinated states, we still need to have more of our fellow residents receive the vaccine to defend ourselves against the virus and any variants, including Delta. Here is some pertinent as well as updated information:
  • To find out where you can get the vaccine text your zip code to GETVAX or go check out hundreds of locations near you.
  • On Monday, the FDA gave full approval for the Pfizer vaccine for those aged 16 and older. The previous Emergency Use Authorization remains in place for those aged 12-15. You can read more about the approval process in the FDA release. I hope those of you who were waiting for that full approval will make your appointments today.
  • Booster shots are now available for certain eligible residents who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. The federal rollout will begin on September 20th, meanwhile the CT Department of Public Health is in communication with vaccine providers. The CDC webpage has more specific information and links to additional information, including their section on considerations for use of an additional dose.
  • If you have lost your vaccine card, first check with the clinic who administered your vaccine to see if they can issue a replacement. The CT Department of Public Health (DPH) cannot issue a card to recipients, but they can issue the immunization record from CT WiZ. DPH’s procedure is on their COVID Vaccine and DPH Immunization webpages at: I lost my vaccine card, how do I get another one? and Request an Official Immunization Record.
  • Adults can now access their vaccination records and those of their minor children via CT WiZ Public Portal. The CT Wiz system has been in place for over 27 years to track childhood vaccines and is now a great way for both healthcare providers to access vaccination history and individuals to directly access their personal information.
  • Vaccine mandates are now in place via two Executive order 13B and Executive Order 13D to require state employees, public and private childcare providers, public and private PreK-12 teachers, and all long term care employees to be vaccinated. All but the long term care and state hospital employees will have the option to test weekly, while these two groups are required to be vaccinated.
  • Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant now or might become pregnant in the future are urged to receive the vaccine. New analysis from the CDC provides reassurance and information. You can learn more at COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding.
Masks

Last week, Fairfield joined many other communities in the region in reinstating a mask mandate for all indoor public settings. This is expected to be a temporary measure. Children are required to wear masks in schools through at least September 30th.

Throughout the pandemic, I have worked to share the latest health information and guidance with all of you, and I will continue to do so. It has been a difficult journey, tragic for those who lost their lives and for their loved ones, a struggle for those who have been sick and isolating for all who have missed school, loved ones, and time together – all of us really. We will get through this by continuing to get vaccinated, practicing mitigation measures (masks, distance, hygiene) and testing when symptomatic.
Hurricane Preparedness

Many thanks to our local emergency management team, led by Chief McCarthy, for all they have done to get us through COVID and for their preparations for Henri. Here is what you can do to be prepared for the inevitable next time. Hurricane season here in our area lasts through November 30th, so it is not too late.
 
For further information about how to prepare, check out the link buttons below:
National Weather Service Resources
Ready.gov Resources