COVID-19 Vaccine: Taking it to the Streets

After a successful run at Yanity Gym in Ridgefield, administering over 11,000 COVID-19 vaccines from January through May 2021, RVNAhealth took the show on the road this June, bringing the vaccine and education to individuals where they live, work — and sometimes even where they play. We’ve administered vaccines in homes and we’ve set up shop at street festivals, schools, churches, libraries, and, of course, the Danbury Farmers’ Market!

And individuals and families have come. Many who want to learn about and receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Connecticut have not yet had the opportunity. Real-life obstacles — time, transportation, access — have gotten in the way. “Our work this summer,” says Laura Shulman Cordeira, Director of Community Health & Wellness at RVNAhealth, “is not about volume. It is about finding the pockets of individuals and families who want the vaccine – or want to learn about it – and simply have not had access or opportunity. This work is very important. Everybody who wants the COVID-19 vaccine deserves to get it.”

Whenever possible, RVNAhealth works to offer nutrition along with the vaccine. We’ve partnered with Community Food Rescue, conducted food drives, and at the Farmers’ Market, vaccine recipients are given $10 vouchers to shop at the Market following their shot.

RVNAhealth’s work in Danbury is made possible through the generosity of the Danbury Health Equity Grant and in collaboration with the many Danbury partners who support it, including: Danbury Health Department; Connecticut Institute for Communities (CIFC); Community Health Center of Danbury; Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut; and RVNAhealth.