New Canaan health staff outline vaccines program; COVID guidance remains federal and state-led

Amy Lahnini and health department staff told the Town Council Committee on Health and Human Services the town continues to operate a Vaccines for Children program, which the department described as funded at the federal level and intended to supply childhood vaccines required for school or daycare at no charge to eligible children.

Staff said most children receive routine immunizations from pediatricians and the town steps in for moving families or providers without supply. The department confirmed COVID-19 vaccine guidance remains driven by federal and state authorities; as of the meeting there was no new town-level recommendation beyond existing federal guidance and the health department said it was awaiting clearer state messaging for the fall season.

Officials said adult seasonal vaccines must be purchased by the town if the town supplies them; historically the town has purchased seasonal doses but staff proposed reducing purchases this year to focus on populations that cannot access pharmacies or provider offices — for example, homebound residents — because most adults can obtain seasonal vaccines through pharmacies or primary care and insurance coverage.

The department said timing for state and federal seasonal vaccine recommendations typically becomes clearer in August after monitoring Southern Hemisphere patterns. Health staff said they will update the committee and the public as state guidance and vaccine availability become clear.

Discussion only: no changes to program funding or a new town policy were adopted at the meeting.