Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP)- Information for Parents

Mother reading to two children
How vaccines work

Vaccines are an important and safe way to keep you healthy. Most vaccine-preventable diseases are caused by germs that are called viruses or bacteria. Vaccines to help prevent these diseases generally contain weakened or killed viruses or bacteria specific to the disease. Vaccines help your body recognize and fight these germs and protect you each time you come in contact with someone who is sick with any of these diseases. There are a series of steps that your body goes through to develop immunity through vaccination:

  • First - a vaccine with weakened or killed viruses or bacteria is given by a shot (influenza vaccine may be given by a nasal spray and rotavirus vaccine is given by mouth). 
  • Next - over the next few weeks your body makes antibodies and memory cells against the weakened or dead germs in the vaccine.
  • Then - the antibodies can fight the real disease if you are exposed to the disease germs and they invade your body. The antibodies will help destroy the germs so you won't get sick.
  • Finally - antibodies and memory cells stay on guard in your body for years after you're vaccinated to protect you from the disease. This protection is called immunity.

New CT WiZ Immunization Information System

On September 17, 2018, DPH changed from the Connecticut Immunization Registry and Tracking System (CIRTS) to the new CT WiZ!
  
  • Check CT WiZ FAQs for answers to common questions about your child’s immunization record.
Where to go to get your child vaccinated

All doctors and health care providers in Connecticut who vaccinate children under 19 years of age participate in the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP) and can give your child the vaccines he or she needs. If you need help finding a health care provider for your child, call (860) 509-7929 to find a CVP provider near you.


Children & Teens (Birth through 18 years)

College Students

If your child is a college student—or soon to be one—making sure he or she is fully vaccinated is critically important, especially for those who will be living in a dormitory or another shared space. That’s because large groups of people in close proximity provide the ideal conditions for spreading diseases, including those that are vaccine-preventable.

Vaccines can help keep students from contracting serious illnesses and missing classes. Make sure your child is protected against diseases like:

Resources for more information on childhood vaccinations:

If you have questions or feedback regarding vaccinating your child or about the CVP, contact the Connecticut Immunization Program at (860) 509-7929 or via email at dph.immunizations@ct.gov.

 
 

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