Patrick McCormack

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available — find out where to get yours

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senior citizen shows off COVID vaccine

Although COVID-19 vaccines have been widely available for nearly 3 years, millions of people still have not been vaccinated. Additionally, the virus is constantly evolving, and new variants that are more transmissible and/or resistant to vaccines can emerge.

That is why it is still crucial for those who have not yet been vaccinated to get their COVID-19 vaccines and for those who have been vaccinated to get their 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines.

Key reasons why to get your COVID-19 vaccine

  • Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unvaccinated people are more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 than vaccinated people.
  • Vaccines can also help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to others. When more people are vaccinated, the virus has fewer opportunities to spread. This is especially important for protecting people at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19, such as older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.
  • The updated COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect against the Omicron variant, which is the most common variant circulating in the United States. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine in the fall of 2023.

Even if you have already been vaccinated against COVID-19, it is important to get an updated vaccine. This is because your immunity to the virus can decrease over time, and the updated vaccines are designed to protect against the latest variants.

According to the CDC’s COVID-NET hospitalization surveillance system, the COVID-19 hospitalization rate for unvaccinated people aged 65 years and older in the United States was 10.9 times higher than the rate for people of the same age who received an updated COVID-19 bivalent booster dose in January 2023.

This data shows that getting a COVID-19 booster vaccine is highly effective at reducing the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19, especially for older adults.

It is important to note that the COVID-19 hospitalization rate for all people aged 65 years and older has decreased significantly since the start of the pandemic. This is due in large part to the high vaccination and booster rates among this age group. However, the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 is still higher for unvaccinated older adults.

If you have not yet received a COVID-19 booster vaccine, it is recommended to do so as soon as possible. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness, hospitalization, and/or death from COVID-19.

Where to get COVID-19 vaccines

People can get an updated COVID-19 vaccine at a variety of locations, including:

  • Pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid
  • Doctor’s offices
  • Vaccination Clinics

To find a location near you, you can use the CDC’s Vaccine Finder tool: https://www.vaccines.gov/ 

You can also contact Uncas Health District to find out where you can get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

2023 International Infection Prevention Week: Tips for avoiding infections from medical facilities

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Infection Prevention

International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) is an annual observance in mid-October to raise awareness of the importance of infection prevention and control. The 2023 IIPW theme, “Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention,” highlights the importance of simple yet effective infection prevention measures, such as hand hygiene, vaccination, and proper cleaning and disinfection.

According to the Infection Prevention and You website, 1 in 31 patients receiving care in a hospital will get a healthcare-associated infection (HAI). HAIs can be serious and even life-threatening, and they can add to the cost and length of hospital stays.

Learn More About Connecticut’s Healthcare Facilities

Tips for avoiding infections from medical facilities

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting an HAI, including:

  • Clean your hands often. This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Get vaccinated. Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect yourself from infectious diseases, including some HAIs. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.
  • Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare providers about their infection prevention practices. You have the right to know what they are doing to protect you from infection.
  • Speak up. If you have any concerns about infection prevention, speak up to your healthcare providers. You are your own best advocate.

Here are some additional tips:

  • Choose a reputable medical facility. Do some research before choosing a hospital or other medical facility. Look for facilities that have a good reputation for infection prevention.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the medical facility and the healthcare providers. If you see anything that concerns you, speak up.
  • Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. This will help you stay healthy and reduce your risk of infection.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of getting an HAI. Remember, infection prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Working together can create a safer and healthier healthcare environment for everyone.

Flu season is approaching — get your flu vaccine today

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woman smiling after receiving flu shot

Flu season is coming, and it’s important for everyone to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Flu symptoms can be mild or severe and can sometimes lead to hospitalization or even death.

Why is flu vaccination important?

Flu vaccination helps to protect against the flu by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the flu virus. Antibodies are proteins that help the body fight off infection. It is recommended that anyone six months of age or older get a flu vaccine every year.

Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu, such as:

  • People 65 years of age and older
  • People with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or asthma
  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5 years old
  • People who live with or care for people at high risk for complications from the flu

Flu vaccines are safe and effective. The CDC estimates that flu vaccination prevents millions of flu illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year.

Recent data on influenza in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu season in the United States typically peaks between December and March. The CDC estimates that from October 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023, there have been:

  • 26-50 million flu illnesses
  • 290,000-670,000 flu hospitalizations
  • 17,000-98,000 flu deaths

How to get a flu vaccine in southeastern Connecticut

Flu vaccines are available at most doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and health departments. Flu vaccines are also available at some community events and workplaces. Additionally, Uncas Health District offers a number of ways to help local residents get their flu vaccines:

Uncas Health District Mobile Health Team

Each week, the Mobile Health Team visits locations throughout the 11 municipalities we support — offering preventative health care such as blood pressure screening, COVID-19 and Flu vaccines, Hepatitis C/ HIV testing, syringe services, wound care info, and information about other health services provided by the Uncas Health District. Check out our calendar to find out when the Mobile Health Team is coming to a location near you. 

Uncas Mobile Health Team Calendar

Flu Vaccine Clinics

Uncas Health District hosts and supports a number of flu vaccine clinics throughout the year. Check out the flu vaccine clinic calendar on the Uncas Health District website. 

Uncas Health District Flu Vaccine Clinic Calendar

Flu Vaccines for the Home-Bound

For those in the community who are unable to leave their home, the nurses at Uncas Health District will come to you. Call (860) 823-1189 to schedule a vaccination visit with one of our nurses.

Call Uncas Health District for a Home-Bound Visit

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: the importance of screening and early detection

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2023, and 43,700 women will die from the disease.

While breast cancer can be a devastating disease, it is important to remember that early detection is key. When breast cancer is found early and treated promptly, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%. That’s why it’s so important to get regular breast cancer screenings.

Why is getting screened important?

Breast cancer screening tests can help find breast cancer early when it is most treatable. When breast cancer is found early, it is often smaller and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This means that treatment is often more effective and less invasive.

Who should get screened?

The ACS recommends that all women at average risk of breast cancer begin getting annual mammograms at age 40. Women at higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease, may need to start screening earlier.

How often should I get screened?

The ACS recommends that most women get a mammogram every year. However, some women may need to get screened more often, depending on their individual risk factors.

If I find a lump in my breast, what should I do?

If you find a lump in your breast, it is important to see a doctor right away. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but it is important to have them checked out by a doctor to be sure.

How can I support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

There are many ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are a few ideas:

  • Get screened for breast cancer.
  • Talk to your friends and family about the importance of getting screened.
  • Donate to a breast cancer charity.
  • Volunteer your time to help people affected by breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but it is one that is often treatable when found early. That’s why it’s so important to get regular breast cancer screenings. If you are 40 or older, talk to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer and whether you should start getting screened.

COVIDtests.gov website relaunched — free COVID-19 tests available starting Sept. 25

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Sample of a COVID-19 test

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), announced on Friday an investment of $600 million across 12 domestic COVID-19 test manufacturers and the reopening of COVIDTests.gov to deliver COVID-19 tests for free to households across the country.

Beginning September 25, every household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.

[maxbutton id=”2″ url=”https://www.covid.gov/tests” text=”visit COVIDtests.gov” ]

 

In addition to the federal government inviting U.S. households to order four free COVID-19 tests, there are numerous other options to get tested for free, such as free community-based testing sites, including pharmacies, across the country. ASPR is also distributing free at-home tests to schools, nursing homes, community health centers, rural health clinics, food banks, and other community locations to ensure communities have widespread access to tests. To learn more, people are encouraged to contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near them to learn how to access low- or no cost COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government.

Before you throw out ‘expired’ tests: Check to see if your COVID-19 tests’ expiration dates have been extended.

[maxbutton id=”18″ url=”https://uncashd.org/covid-19/” text=”COVID-19 Resources” ]

 

Updated fee schedule — effective October 1, 2023

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Print or Download Fee Schedule

 

FEE SCHEDULE (EFFECTIVE 10/1/23) 

 SITE TESTING 

SEPTIC SYSTEM: 

Site Investigation per lot * 

$150.00 

Groundwater monitoring per lot / per visit 

$50.00 

Site investigation-B100a-deck, pool, addition etc. 

$100.00 

Additional testing per lot 

$100.00 

Perc testing fill for a system 

$50.00 

Water Treatment Wastewater System 

$100.00 

* includes new construction, repair, subdivisions 

 PERMITS 

SEPTIC: 

Septic Permit – residential * 

$150.00 

Septic Permit – commercial * 

$200.00 

Septic Permit renewal 

$75.00 

Septic Permit transfer – new installer 

$75.00 

* includes new construction and repairs (tank only, sewer line, d-box, etc) 

 PERMITS / REGISTRATIONS 

FOOD SERVICE (including retail):* 

*Restaurant food service licensing fees for new establishments are prorated on a quarterly scale 

Class 1 

$150.00 

Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$50.00 

Class 2 

$250.00 

Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$80.00 

Class 3 

$350.00 

Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$125.00 

FOOD SERVICE (including retail):* 

*Restaurant food service licensing fees for new establishments are prorated on a quarterly scale 

Class 4 

$400.00 

Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$150.00 

Seasonal Food Service – 6 months or less 

½ of class fee 

Food Service reinspection (per inspection) 

$75.00 

Temporary Events – (non-profit w/ 501c3) 

1 day (Exempt from CFPM certificate) 

$25.00 

2+ days (Exempt from CFPM certificate) 

$50.00 

Temporary Events – (for profit) 

1 day (CFPM Certificate) 

$75.00 

2+ days (CFPM Certificate) 

$150.00 

Temporary Events – Application submitted less than 14 days and greater than 5 business days in advance of the event 

Double fee 

Temporary Events – Application submitted within 5 business days of the event 

No permits will be issued 

Farmers Markets – (All Vendors) 

See temporary event schedule 

 

SALON: 

Salon License 

$150.00 

Salon Re-inspection Fee per reinspection 

$75.00 

Salon Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$75.00 

 

REGISTRATIONS / INSPECTIONS: 

Day Care inspection 

$100.00 

Group Home inspection 

$100.00 

Public pool – registration & inspection 

$150.00 

Public Pool – reinspection 

$75.00 

Campgrounds – registration & inspection 

$150.00 

Tattoo Parlors – registration 

$75.00 

DEEP System Inspection 

$100.00 

 

PLAN REVIEW 

SUBDIVISION / SITE PLAN PER LOT: 

per lot w/1 revision – includes lot with existing house 

$150.00 

Additional revisions per revision per lot 

$75.00 

Water Treatment Wastewater System 

$75.00 

 

SEPTIC SYSTEM: 

Engineered residential plan review per system w/1 revision 

$150.00 

Additional revisions per system 

$75.00 

Engineered commercial plan review per system w/1 revision includes multi-family buildings 

$250.00 

Additional revisions per revision per systems 

$125.00 

B100a residential plan review for a deck, addition, pool, etc. 

$75.00 

B100a commercial plan review for a deck, addition, pool, etc. 

$200.00 

Septic System reinspection fee 

$100.00 

CT DPH exception review 

$100.00 

 

WELL: 

Well only plan review 

$50.00 

 

FOOD SERVICE: 

Restaurant Plan Review 

Class 1 

Class 2 & 3 

Class 4 

$100.00 

$200.00 

$300.00 

 

SALON: 

Salon plan review 

$200.00 

 

MISCELLANEOUS 

ServSafe Class and Book 

$175.00 

ServSafe re-test fee 

$75.00 

Returned check fee 

$25.00 

Copies 

8 ½ x 11 or 11 x 14 

Plan 

0.50/page 

2.00/page 

Asthma attacks are common in early fall — how to reduce your risk

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girl using her inhaler

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. This can make breathing difficult and trigger wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma attacks can be mild or severe, and they can even be life-threatening.

Why Are Asthma Attacks Common in Early Fall?

There are a few reasons why asthma attacks are common in early fall, especially for children:

  • Allergens: Early fall is a peak season for many allergens, including ragweed pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. These allergens can trigger asthma symptoms in people who are allergic to them.
  • Respiratory infections: Children are more likely to get respiratory infections, such as the common cold and the flu, in the fall. These infections can also trigger asthma symptoms.
  • Weather changes: The weather in the fall can be unpredictable, with rapid changes in temperature and humidity. These changes can also trigger asthma symptoms.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Having an Asthma Attack in the Peak Season

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of having an asthma attack in the peak season:

  • Take your asthma medication as prescribed by your doctor. This includes both controller medications, which help to prevent asthma attacks, and quick-relief medications, which are used to treat asthma attacks.
  • Avoid your asthma triggers. If you know what triggers your asthma symptoms, try to avoid them as much as possible.
  • Get a flu shot every year. The flu can trigger asthma attacks, so it’s important to get a flu shot every year.
  • Monitor your asthma symptoms closely. If you notice any changes in your asthma symptoms, such as more frequent wheezing or coughing, talk to your doctor right away.

Additional Tips for Children

If your child has asthma, there are a few additional things you can do to help them reduce their risk of having an asthma attack in the peak season:

  • Make sure your child is taking their asthma medication as prescribed by their doctor. It’s important to talk to your child about their asthma and why it’s important to take their medication.
  • Help your child avoid their asthma triggers. This may mean helping them to check the pollen count before going outside or helping them to clean their room regularly.
  • Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently. This can help to reduce the spread of germs that can trigger asthma attacks.
  • Talk to your child’s school about their asthma. Make sure that the school staff knows about your child’s asthma and what to do if they have an asthma attack.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of having an asthma attack in the peak season.

[maxbutton id=”2″ url=”https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/resource-library” text=”Asthma Resource Library” ]

Check your mental health at Fresh Check Day — Sept. 27 at Three Rivers Community College

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teens having fun

On Wednesday, September 27, members of the Uncas Health District team will be heading to CT State Community College Three Rivers (formerly Three Rivers Community College) for Fresh Check Day — an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event for colleges that includes interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support of multiple campus departments and groups, free food, entertainment, and exciting prizes and giveaways.

Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health and helps to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available on campus, in the community, and nationally.

Goals of Fresh Check Day

  • Increase awareness of mental health resources available to students
  • Reduce stigma and misconceptions around mental health and suicide that often deter individuals from seeking help
  • Empower peers to be gatekeepers by understanding warning signs and knowing what to do if a friend is exhibiting signs of suicide or mental health breakdown
  • Increase willingness to ask for help if experiencing emotional distress

[maxbutton id=”3″ url=”https://freshcheckday.com/” text=”More About Fresh Check Day” ]

September is Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24.

Help is available 24/7:

[maxbutton id=”19″ url=”https://uncashd.org/suicide-prevention/” text=”Suicide Prevention Resources” ]

 

 

 

Suicide Prevention Month: creating hope through action

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Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24.

There are many warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide.

These signs can include:

  • Talking about wanting to die or feeling like a burden
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Changes in mood, such as becoming withdrawn or angry
  • Giving away belongings
  • Making a plan for suicide

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these warning signs, it is important to take action. Do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Talk to the person about how they are feeling. Let them know that you care and that you are there for them.
  • Encourage the person to seek professional help. Many resources are available, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups.
  • Remove any access to weapons or other means of suicide.
  • Stay calm and supportive. It is important to be patient and understanding.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

There is hope for people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. With the right help, they can get better and live full and happy lives.

To learn more about suicide prevention, visit the following websites:

Call to action:

  • Talk to your friends, family, and coworkers about suicide prevention.
  • Share resources on suicide prevention on social media.
  • Get involved in a suicide prevention organization in your community.