New Haven Health Department
Newsletter - February 2026
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Statement from Director Bond on the CDC's updated recommendations for childhood vaccines
In January, following federal government changes to childhood vaccine recommendations from 17 broadly recommended vaccines to 11, Director Bond posted the following statement.
Since then, the American Academy of Pediatrics announced their annual childhood vaccine recommendations which the New Haven Health Department endorses alongside the Connecticut Department of Public Health and many professional medical groups.
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"Vaccines are safe, they work, and they prevent our kids and our communities from getting very, very sick.
Recently, the federal government changed its recommendations on childhood vaccines, but it was not based on any new science. The New Haven Health Department will always follow the best available science.
In 2024, the CDC reported that for children born between 1994 and 2003, routine childhood vaccinations will prevent more than 500 million illnesses, 32 million hospitalizations and 100 million deaths.
What we want you to know:
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All childhood vaccines are still available to children at no cost. Insurance still covers them.
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Your child can still receive all of the childhood vaccines from the old schedule - as recommended by major medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics - even if they are not considered high risk.
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The list of vaccines required to start school in New Haven (and in Connecticut) has not changed.
We encourage any New Haven parent or caregiver with questions to speak with their doctor or healthcare provider. As Health Director, I will always remain committed to protecting the health and safety of all New Haven residents."
-Maritza Bond, MPH, MDiv, Health Director,
City of New Haven
| | From Our Community Partners | |
Share Your Experience with Environmental Health Stressors in New Haven!
Save the Sound, an environmental action nonprofit, is gathering information from New Haven residents to better understand the environmental health stressors (i.e. poor air quality, excessive heat, noise pollution, etc.) that people experience in their neighborhoods. By taking a short survey,
your responses will help inform ongoing research and community
efforts to address local environmental health concerns.
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All answers are confidential. The survey is collecting responses until the end
of February.
| | What's Coming Up This Month? | |
February is American Heart Month
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels was the leading cause of death for New Haven residents over the last five years. But there are steps we can all take to protect our health and lower our risk.
Tips to Keep your Heart Healthy:
- Maintain a heart healthy diet (eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc.)
- Get regular physical activity
- Quit smoking
- Stay a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Keep diabetes under control
February is also the perfect time to get or renew your CPR certification. Learning CPR can double or triple a heart attack victim's chance of survival. The New Haven Health Department offers CPR/AED training for community members, professionals and organizations.
👉 To host or complete a training, submit a request and we will get back to you!
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Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time to recognize their central role in U.S. history. The Black History Month 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations," focuses on a century of national commemorations of Black history.
This month, we recognize Dr. Joycelyn Elders, a pediatrician and public health administrator, who was the first Black and second female U.S. Surgeon General. She has been a prominent national voice on public health, health education and preventative health care.
During Black History Month, we recognize the impact of African Americans in our community and across the country, and reaffirm the importance of honoring Black history year-round.
(Photo source: American Heart Association)
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How to Stay Healthy this Respiratory Illness Season!🩺🫁
Respiratory illnesses (such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV) are still active in our community. In addition to getting vaccinated, there are easy and important steps you can take every day to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.
👏Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
🫧Wipe down frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, handrails, countertops with cleaners that contain soap or detergent.
💨Improve airflow indoors by opening windows and using an air purifier.
If you get sick, stay home and away from others until your symptoms are better overall and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours. When you return to normal activities, follow steps for cleaner air and practicing good hygiene to protect those around you.
Small actions can make a big difference in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses this season.
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| | The New Haven Health Department’s vision for the future is to advocate and ensure health equity for all New Haven residents. | | | | |
