Norwalk Health Department’s Immunization Campaign: A Win for Community Health

On Tuesday, November 12, the Norwalk Health Department announced the success of its annual Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program campaign. Each year from May through October, this initiative focuses on educating pre-teens and teens in the Norwalk area about three essential vaccines: the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent certain cancers, and two vaccines to protect against meningitis (meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B).

As part of the “Win/Win/Win with the Big 3” campaign, IAP staff encouraged healthcare providers to discuss these critical vaccinations with their adolescent patients. Teens and pre-teens who spoke with providers in Norwalk, Westport, or Wilton about any of the three vaccines—or who received a dose—could enter a raffle to win an iPad. The medical offices with the most entries received a complimentary lunch for their staff.

The campaign’s “Win/Win/Win” concept emphasizes three benefits: immunity for young people and the community, a chance for patients to win an iPad, and a thank-you lunch for participating healthcare staff. This year, a 16-year-old from Westport won the iPad after consulting his provider about the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Willows Pediatric Group and Bay Street Pediatrics, both based in Westport, received lunch for their efforts in promoting the vaccines.

The 2024 campaign saw over 1,390 raffle entries, the highest number in three years, indicating that over 1,390 pre-teens and teens had important discussions with their healthcare providers about HPV and meningococcal disease.

The HPV vaccine is vital in preventing cervical and other types of cancers in both men and women, with HPV responsible for approximately 37,000 cancer cases annually in the U.S. Meningococcal disease, though rare, can be fatal, with a mortality rate of one to two out of every 10 cases.

“These three vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against serious illnesses that can lead to cancers, disabilities, and even death,” said Pam Bates, BSN, RN. “It’s essential for pre-teens and teens to discuss these life-saving vaccines with their healthcare providers, as early vaccination offers the best protection.”

The Health Department’s IAP Program collaborates with families, healthcare providers, and the community to ensure timely vaccinations for children and adults. For more information about the Health Department’s vaccination services, please visit www.norwalkct.gov/vaccines.

Photo Caption: Deanna D’Amore, MPH, Director of Health, draws the name of the Westport resident who won an iPad as part of the IAP Program’s raffle. The raffle was part of the “Win/Win/Win with the Big 3” campaign, promoting the importance of three essential vaccines for pre-teens and teens.

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Submitted by Theresa Argondezzi

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