You’re vaccinated against COVID, what’s next?
Our Stamford community has made great strides since the COVID-19 vaccine first became available one year ago. More than eight out of every 10 eligible city residents are now fully vaccinated. As a parent and grandparent, I look forward to a return to normal — including birthday parties with grandkids, family dinners, traveling and more. But as the city’s health director, I am concerned that too many people are again at risk because they haven’t received a COVID-19 booster shot — including the estimated 5,400 older adults in Stamford who haven’t yet returned to get their booster.
The initial COVID-19 vaccine works very well to defend against severe illness. Even during the highly infectious Omicron wave, data show that people who were vaccinated were much less likely to get infected or seriously ill.
Recent studies, however, report that COVID-19 vaccine protection does decline over time, especially in individuals over 65. So just like other vaccines and immunizations, getting a booster shot is necessary to best maintain your body’s defenses.
Data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health shows individuals who have gotten their COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot are currently three times less likely to be hospitalized and five times less likely to die from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 risks are real for people of any age and are especially of concern for people over 65. With one out of five of Stamford’s older adults not yet boosted, I worry about how many more lives may be needlessly affected.
Clearly, we have the tools to protect ourselves from infection, hospitalization, and death. If you haven’t gotten your COVID-19booster shot yet, I urge you to do so.
There are several free daily vaccine clinics here in Stamford and all have booster shots available (www.stamfordct.gov/vaccine or call 203-977-4369 for locations). You do not need an appointment, proof of immigration status or health insurance to get your COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot.
If you are home-bound or are uncomfortable traveling to a vaccine site, you may schedule a free, in-home appointment by calling 203-977-4378 or 203-977-4369.
Please do not hesitate to call the City of Stamford Department of Health at 203-977-4369 if you have questions or concerns. I encourage you to ask questions so you can make an informed decision.
The COVID-19 vaccine is the best tool available to respond to this public health emergency and I am proud of Stamford’s efforts to get vaccinated and boosted. This is especially important as we continue to fight newer, stronger variants that may come along. Let’s all do our part to keep our Stamford community strong and healthy.