63°
“The high compliance rate is a result from parents recognizing the value of vaccinating their children on time and the vigilance of the staff at the pediatric practices and the health department in following through with the shot schedule,” said Tim Callahan, director of health for the City of Norwalk.
The department's Immunization Action Plan Program works with doctors’ offices to help children receive age-appropriate vaccines by their second birthday. Plan staff members also provide education, promote vaccines for older children and adults, and act as representatives for the Connecticut Immunization Registry Tracking System, a state computer program where physicians report childhood vaccinations.
State officials recently notified the immunization program that the Norwalk area (which includes Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Wilton, and New Canaan) achieved a 90-percent vaccination rate.
“It is very exciting that we have reached 90 percent vaccination coverage for the young children in our community. All children deserve to grow up healthy and free from the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases," said Pam Bates, Norwalk Immunization Action Plan coordinator. "We are fortunate to have dedicated pediatric providers in our community who strongly believe in the importance and benefits of vaccination.”
Bates added this achievement would not have been possible without the cooperation of the many pediatric health care providers in the area.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
