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Back-To-School Immunization Clinic Slated At West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 17:29 GMT by Patch
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Back‑to‑School Immunization Clinic Slated for West Hartford’s Bloomfield Health Center

As the new school year approaches, West Hartford is making it easier for parents to keep their children on schedule with required vaccinations. On Wednesday, October 15th the city will host a free, full‑spectrum immunization clinic at the Bloomfield Health Center (BHC) located at 12 East Main Street, West Hartford, CT. The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is part of a state‑wide effort to close the immunization gap that emerged during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

What Families Can Expect

The clinic will offer a comprehensive list of vaccines that West Hartford’s school district requires for enrollment. According to the district’s [ Immunization Requirements page ], students in kindergarten through 12th grade must have received the following:

In addition to the core list, the clinic will provide the CDC‑recommended COVID‑19 booster for children aged 5 and older who have not yet received it, as well as the Hepatitis A vaccine for children who do not meet the district’s “special exemption” criteria.

How the Clinic Is Organized

Bloomfield Health Center is a long‑time partner of the West Hartford Health Department and will handle all logistical aspects—from vaccine storage to staffing. The clinic is staffed by a team of nurses, a physician, and a medical assistant, all of whom have been certified in handling adolescent vaccinations. A separate area has been set up for younger children under five to keep the environment age‑appropriate and minimize waiting times.

Families are encouraged to arrive early, as the clinic follows a first‑come, first‑served model. While walk‑ins are welcomed, the clinic has announced that pre‑registration is available online via the West Hartford Health Department’s portal. This short process confirms a child’s age, vaccine history, and any potential contraindications. Parents can also bring a copy of the child’s immunization record or a note from a previous doctor.

Why the Clinic Matters for the Community

West Hartford officials say the timing couldn’t be more critical. A recent survey by the Connecticut Department of Public Health found that only 78% of students in the district were up to date on their required vaccines—a figure that fell below the state average of 82%. The city’s leadership believes that offering a convenient, free clinic will help raise that number and prevent future outbreaks.

“We want to protect our children and their classmates,” said Lisa Martinez, Director of Public Health for West Hartford. “School is a community hub, and an immunization clinic like this is a powerful tool to promote healthy kids, especially after a pandemic that disrupted routine healthcare.”

The clinic also serves a broader purpose: it offers an opportunity for parents who may have had vaccine hesitancy or simply missed appointments to catch up without any financial burden. The BHC has highlighted that no cost will be charged to families; the city will cover all vaccine procurement and staff wages.

Additional Resources

For families looking for more detailed information, the West Hartford School District’s website includes a PDF that lists the exact vaccine schedule, along with instructions on how to submit proof of immunization. Parents can download the “West Hartford School Immunization Schedule” [ here ].

If you’re in need of specific guidance—such as how to manage a child with a medical condition that might affect vaccination—Bloomfield Health’s website provides a Frequently Asked Questions section that covers common concerns, including allergy protocols and what to do if a child feels unwell after a shot.

How to Get Involved

Parents who plan to attend should call the clinic’s main line at (860) 555‑1234 to confirm details or to book a specific time slot. The West Hartford Health Department has also set up a live chat feature on its website for last‑minute questions. If a family is unable to make it to the clinic, the district offers a “Vaccine Drop‑off” service at the school office between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the day of the event.

The clinic is expected to serve over 300 children in a single day, and the city hopes it will set a precedent for similar events in neighboring towns. As the public health community looks ahead to the 2025–26 school year, initiatives like this one underscore the importance of community‑based vaccination programs to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Stay informed, stay protected, and let West Hartford’s Back‑to‑School Immunization Clinic help you keep your kids healthy and school‑ready.