Saying, “New Britain continues to be left behind,” Democratic Mayoral candidate Veronica T. DeLandro is urging families to get their teens vaccinated for COVID-19 before summer activities begin.
DeLandro has already been working to encourage people to get vaccinated, devoting a great deal of her volunteer outreach to addressing “vaccination hesitancy” so that people will feel comfortable getting one of the life-saving COVID vaccines. “Since March, my team has been canvassing in various neighborhoods to help quell concerns and answer questions about the vaccine,” DeLandro said.
The Democratic candidate is now encouraging parents to get their 12 to 15 year-old kids vaccinated, now that young people in that age group are eligible.
As of May 26th, 41.7% of New Britain resident had received at least an initial dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 58.28% statewide, according to data from the state Department of Public Health. New Britain’s rate of people 15 to 44 years of age with at least one dose was only 35%.
“When compared to the state’s average of those who have received at least one dose,” DeLandro said to supporters on May 28th, “it’s clear that our residents are being left behind, and that the health and wellness of our city is not a priority for the current administration. The number one goal for our city should be to ensure that everyone who is eligible, can be vaccinated.”
DeLandro commented, on May 25th, that,
New Britain teens are eager to attend summer camps, participate in sports, and take summer trips. While it’s exciting to see businesses and activities pick back up, the reality is that our city’s COVID-19 rates remain high. If we want to be a healthy and thriving city, everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated. Unfortunately, the city’s leadership has not rolled out a plan to address the disparities in New Britain and ensure every resident has equal access and information on the vaccine.
DeLandro thanked, “Spottswood, UCONN Health, and all the community partners who continue working collaboratively to ensure parents in New Britain have the option to go back to work while knowing their child is safer from COVID-19 this summer.”
Editor’s note (5/31/2021): This article was updated with more recent vaccination rates.
Editor’s note (6/2/2021): This article originally referred to a Vaccination Clinic at Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church on Saturday, June 5th, but that clinic has reportedly been cancelled. That information no longer appears in the article.
