Last Updated: May 30, 2023

The COVID-19 vaccine has been proven safe and effective at preventing hospitalizations and death due to SARS-CoV-2, and everyone ages 6 months and older is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. The “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for use in September 2022. This vaccine is formulated to provide an immune response against the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. 

Weekly Community Vaccine Schedule

Please see a list of this week's community clinics in Norwalk below. To find a list of other vaccine providers in our area, including pharmacies, supermarkets, and sites in other towns, visit www.vaccines.gov/search.  

Upcoming CHC Vaccine Clinics at Veteran's Park

The City of Norwalk has partnered with Community Health Center, Inc. to provide free COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Veteran's Park. Those 17 years of age or younger must have parent/guardian consent. Anyone who is eligible for their first, second, or booster dose can be vaccinated. All clinics are 9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. No appointment is needed.  
 

Who Is Eligible?

Primary Vaccines

If you have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, you can still get vaccinated to help protect yourself.

• Most unvaccinated individuals may receive a single dose of a bivalent vaccine, rather than multiple doses of the original “monovalent” mRNA vaccines. (The original monovalent vaccine is no longer in use.)
• For young children (ages 6 months to 5 years old), doses will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received. Parents and guardians can contact their pediatrician for guidance.

Booster Vaccines

The bivalent vaccine was authorized in the Fall 2022. Anyone who is eligible and has not yet received a bivalent booster is recommended to get one now. 

Most people who did get their bivalent booster are not eligible for any more doses of the vaccine at this time, with a few exceptions: 

• Individuals 65 years of age and older who have already received 1 dose of the bivalent vaccine may receive another dose at least four months after their initial bivalent dose.
• Most individuals with certain kinds of immunocompromise who have already received a bivalent vaccine may receive an additional dose at least 2 months following their last dose of bivalent vaccine. They may be able to get additional doses after that, but they need to contact their healthcare provider for information.

Public health officials at the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will meet in Summer 2023 to make decisions about additional boosters. The Health Department is monitoring the situation and will continue to work with community partners and health care providers to provide information about additional boosters if/when they are recommended.

For More Information

• Phone Assistance: If you have questions or need help making an appointment, call the Health Department's Vaccine Info line at (203) 854-7985 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4 pm).
• Vaccinations At Home: If you or someone you know is unable to make it to a COVID vaccine clinic, they may be eligible to get their vaccine at home. The State of CT Department of Public Health coordinates these vaccinations. To request a vaccination at home, please complete the following form: https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/homebound. If you need assistance, please call the Health Department at (203) 854-7985.
• Email COVID19TaskForce@norwalkct.org with any other questions or concerns. A member of the Mayor's Task Force will respond within 48 hours.
• More COVID information: https://www.covid.gov/. 

Vaccine Resources

• Facts vs. Myths about the COVID-19 Vaccine (in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole)
• Smart Cards: Learn How to Download Your Vaccine Record Electronically (in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole)
• All About the COVID-19 Vaccines (CDC)
• Stay Up To Date with Your Vaccines (Boosters and More) (CDC)
• Infographic: How mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work (CDC) English | Spanish

Community Conversations

Mayor Rilling hosted a series of Community Conversations in 2021 around the COVID-19 vaccine.

The first conversation, "Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Communities of Color" from March 3, 2021 featured Dr. Priscilla Agyemang, with Norwalk Hospital and Dr. Tichianaa Armah, with Community Health Center, Inc. Watch the video HERE.

The second conversation, "COVID-19 concerns within the Hispanic/Latinx Community" from March 17, 2021 featured Dr. Luis Fuentes, Amistad Community Health Center, Lucia Rilling, First Lady of Norwalk, Orlando Aquino, Patient & Community Engagement Manager with the Norwalk Community Health Center, and Maria Escalera, Director of Human Services for the City of Norwalk. Watch the video HERE.

The third conversation, “COVID-19 Vaccine Supply, Demand, & Access” from March 31, 2021 featured Dr. Reginald Eadie, President & Chief Executive Officer at Trinity Health of New England, and co-chair of Governor Lamont’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group, Greg Burnett and Dominique Johnson from the Norwalk Common Council, and Deanna D’Amore, Director, Norwalk Health Department. Watch the video HERE.

The fourth conversation, “COVID-19 Education, Communication & Outreach” from April 14, 2021 featured Kenneth Waller, CEO of Norwalk Community Health Center, Amy Taylor, VP Community Health Center, Inc., and Deanna D’Amore, Director, Norwalk Health Department. Watch the video HERE.