About National Immunization Awareness Month | HVHD News and Updates | HVHD Events | Recipe Highlight
National Immunization Awareness Month
Each August, National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) highlights the importance of staying up to date on recommended vaccines for people of all ages. Vaccination protects not only the individual but also our communities—especially those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions.
From childhood through adulthood, vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and even death.
???? Connecticut Immunization Snapshot
Vaccination rates in Connecticut continue to remain among the highest in the nation, but there’s always room to improve.
Based on survey results:
???? Kindergarten vaccination coverage (2023–2024):
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 95.5%
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): 95.1%
- Varicella (Chickenpox): 94.8%
???? Adolescent immunizations (ages 13–17):
- HPV (at least one dose): 78.2%
- Meningococcal (MenACWY): 91.3%
- Tdap: 92.7%
Vaccination rates vary by school district and community, and staying informed helps ensure your family is protected. Click here to learn more.
???? Need Your Immunization Records?
Accessing your records is easier than ever through the CT WiZ Public Portal—Connecticut’s secure online immunization information system.
???? Access your immunization records here:
https://portal.ct.gov/immunization
You can download official records for school, childcare, camp, travel, or work purposes. All you need is your name, date of birth, and a valid email address or phone number to verify your identity.
???? Back-to-School Vaccine Requirements in Connecticut
To attend school or licensed childcare in Connecticut, students must meet certain immunization requirements unless they qualify for medical exemptions. Here’s a quick overview for the 2025–2026 school year:
Preschool/Childcare Requirements:
- DTaP, Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, Hib, Varicella, Hepatitis A, Pneumococcal (age-specific)
Kindergarten–6th Grade:
- DTaP, Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella
7th–12th Grade:
- Tdap, Meningococcal (MenACWY), and all childhood vaccines
⏰ Now is the time to check your child’s vaccination status and schedule any needed shots before the first day of school!
???? View full CT school immunization requirements:
https://portal.ct.gov/immunization/laws-and-regulations?language=en_US
HVHD Service Spotlights
Emergency Preparedness Spotlight: Start Prepping Your Flood Plan Now!
Did you know that floods are the most common disaster in America? Flooding can develop slowly or quickly, and flash flooding can come with no warning at all. Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. Go to Ready.gov to learn the facts, get useful tips, and learn how to make a plan before disaster strikes.
Environmental Health Spotlight: Tickborne Diseases
There are several steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family against tickborne disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Guide to Preventing Tick Bites has information on how to reduce exposure, which is the best defense against tickborne disease.
The Insect Repellent Bot will guide you through questions and answers about insect repellents, including how to choose a repellent, how to apply repellent, and other ways to prevent tick and mosquito bites.
After a bite, it is important to remove ticks properly and completely. Take a look at CDC’s video here for general tick removal guidelines.
HVHD accepts ticks for testing through the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at its offices located at 77 Main Street North, Suite 205 in Southbury, 10 Main Street in New Milford, and 63 Main Street in Sharon.
Public Health Updates:
HVHD is going digital!
HVHD is going digital! Click here to complete your forms and applications online through our new process.
CDC warns of Salmonella outbreak linked to frozen sprouted beans
A CDC food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/sproutedbeans-07-25/index.html.
Key Points:
- Eleven people from ten states have gotten sick with the same strain of Salmonella that has been linked to frozen sprouted beans. Four people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
- Chetak LLC Group recalled Deep brand frozen sprouted moong (mung) beans and frozen sprouted moth (mat) beans on July 16, 2025.
- Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled products.
What You Should Do:
- Do not eat any recalled Deep brand frozen sprouted beans. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.
- Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled frozen sprouted beans using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
- Call your healthcare provider if you have any severe Salmonella symptoms.
Click here to learn more…
HVHD Events: August 2025
Recipe Highlight: Grilled Tequila-Lime Chicken with Grilled Asparagus
Ingredients
Servings 4 Serving Size 4
- 1/4 cup tequila or mezcal
- OR
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 to 6 limes)
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper, canned in adobo sauce, minced, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all visible fat discarded
- Cooking spray
- 3 bunches asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided use
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- OR
- 2 tablespoons corn oil
Directions
Serve the asparagus with the chicken.
In a small bowl, stir together the tequila, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce. Pour into a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish. Add the chicken (seal the bag tightly if using), turning to coat. Refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours.
When ready to cook, light spray the grill grates with cooking spray. Preheat the grill on medium-high heat.
Meanwhile, add the asparagus to a large dish. Sprinkle with the salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle with the oil. Turn over the asparagus to coat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade and wiping most of it off the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper over the chicken. Grill for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Transfer to a plate. Cover with aluminum foil.
Put the asparagus on the grill, laying them in the opposite direction of the grates (or use a grilling basket). Grill for 7 minutes, or until tender crisp.
