The Housatonic Valley Health District is looking for clinical and non-clinical volunteers to assist with flu and COVID-19 clinics in the fall.
A wide variety of volunteer opportunities exist, from vaccinators on check-in to observation staff to lend a hand at flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics, according to the district, which serves New Milford, Oxford, Southbury, Washington and Woodbury.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines prevent hospitalizations and emergency room visits every year. A 2021 study showed that in adults, flu vaccination was associated with a 26% lower risk of intensive care unit admission and a 31% lower risk of death from influenza compared to those who did. were not vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The health district noted that vaccinating eligible children and adolescents against COVID-19 and influenza can help relieve pressure on families by giving greater confidence to children participating in childcare, school and other activities, and preventing parents from taking time off work to stay at home. with a sick child.
“Housatonic Valley Health District is committed to providing flu and COVID-19 clinics in our communities this fall to ensure our families and friends stay safe and healthy,” said Lisa Morrissey, director of the Housatonic Valley Health District. “Clinical and non-clinical volunteers play a vital role in vaccinating our communities, and we need committed and dedicated volunteers to help us run our vaccination clinics. »
To become a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer, send an email to [email protected] with the header “New Volunteer”. Interested people will then be directed to a form to answer further questions about themselves, the statement said.
The district will then hold an orientation session for new volunteers so they can meet other volunteers and get more details.
For more information, contact the Community Health Team at [email protected] or visit hvhd.us and click “emergency preparedness”.
