Norwalk, CT - The Norwalk Health Department announced that children in the Norwalk and Danbury regions have the highest vaccination rates in Connecticut, according to data from state health officials.

The CT Department of Public Health (DPH) recently notified the Norwalk Health Department that among children born in 2020, 85% of children in the Danbury area and 83% in the Norwalk area received all their recommended vaccines by their second birthday. These rates are the highest in the state and are especially impressive given the challenges many families faced in staying up to date on vaccinations during the pandemic.

The Norwalk Health Department's Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program is a key part of this success. IAP staff members work with doctors’ offices and community partners in the Norwalk area (Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Wilton, and New Canaan) and the Danbury area (Danbury, Brookfield, Newtown, and Ridgefield) to help connect families to important vaccines. In addition to their work with pediatricians, IAP staff members provide education, promote vaccines for older children and adults, and help support CTWiz, a state registry where physicians report childhood vaccinations and residents can view their vaccine records.

“Year after year, the Norwalk Health Department works hard to make sure Norwalkers receive their recommended vaccines, especially our youngest citizens,” explained Deanna D’Amore, MPH, Director of Health. “Even during challenging times like the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Health Department has seen success from its hard work.”

Pam Bates, RN, BSN, Norwalk IAP Coordinator added, “These high rates are a result of the dedicated medical providers in our communities who instituted measures, such as vaccinating in parking lots, in order to deliver care safely during the pandemic. Families were encouraged to keep regular well appointments so that young children could stay on track with their vaccinations.”

Bates noted that this achievement would not have been possible without the cooperation of the many pediatric health care providers in the area. The Health Department thanks all the pediatric providers in the area.

The Norwalk/Danbury Immunization Action Plan staff works in partnership with the Danbury Health and Human Services team to promote vaccinations for Danbury area residents.

“I'm immensely proud of the collaborative efforts behind the high vaccination rates for Danbury children,” said Kara Prunty, MPA, MPH, Director of Danbury Health and Human Services. “This success highlights our community's dedication and the hard work of the Danbury Health Department. This achievement underscores the commitment of our team, the collaboration of pediatric health providers, and ongoing community support. We're committed to a healthier future for our residents.”