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Norwalk
Health Department
Board of Health Actions
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November 13, 2007
8:00 AM
Library
Call to order at 8:05 AM
Present: Board of Health – Ken Lalime, RPH, John McNamara, MD, Edward Tracey,
MD and Theresa Quell, PhD, RN,
Staff – Tim Callahan, Director of Health, David Reed, MD, Medical Advisor, and
Pam Bates RN, Immunization Action Plan Coordinator
Minutes of October 9, 2007 meeting – A motion to approve was made by Ms Quell, seconded by Mr. Lalime, and approved unanimously.
Childhood Immunization Rates, Pam Bates RN
Pam Bates reviewed vaccine coverage rates for the 2004 birth cohort enrolled
in the Connecticut Immunization Registry Tracking System (CIRTS). The 35,674
enrollees represent 85% of the 41,876 births recorded in Connecticut in 2004.
Forty – one percent of the 41,876 children born in 2004 are enrolled in the
Medicaid program. Children are automatically enrolled at birth in CIRTS but
may opt out of the program. Ten percent, 4,244 of the total children born in
2004 declined to participate.
Vaccine rates are measured at 24 months and include the recommended childhood vaccines including Varicella. The Norwalk coverage area includes the greater Norwalk region, Darien, New Canaan, Wilton, Westport, Weston and New Canaan. The Norwalk compliance rate in the Norwalk region was at 87.61%, with the highest coverage in Weston (94.4%) followed by Norwalk. Darien was the lowest at 76.4%. In comparison to other regions in Connecticut, Norwalk ranked third.
Ms Bates and her staff work closely with private practices and the Norwalk Community Health Center, reviewing vaccine administration records and advising office staff on timely administration of vaccine. The staff also visits the Norwalk Hospital maternity section three times per week to introduce new mothers to the registry and provide information on vaccines.
Influenza Vaccination Progress Report
Dr Reed and Mr. Callahan reviewed the program to date. The number of flu shots
provided is down by 25% in Norwalk and New Canaan. The Board and staff discussed
possible reasons for the decline, many outlets for flu shots including retail
stores, office settings, physicians’ offices and the warm weather in October.
A full report will be made to the Board upon the conclusion of the program.
Lyme Disease Follow up
Mr. Callahan distributed a press release from Governor Jodi Rell announcing
the expansion of Lyme disease surveillance and education. Fairfield County was
listed as a priority area for education. Mr. Callahan contacted his counterparts
in the region and found all are willing able and ready to participate in a regional
educational effort. This sentiment was shared with Matt Carter, MD acting chief
of infectious diseases at the state health department. Mr. Callahan will continue
to follow up with Dr. Carter.
Adjourn 9:00 AM
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