Yale New Haven Health launches FEMA mobile vaccination unit on June 12

New Haven, CT (June 10, 2021) – Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) will collaborate with the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) by operating a mobile vaccination unit to assist with the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine in New Haven. The large-scale mobile vaccination program is aimed at reaching Connecticut’s most underserved communities who may have limited access to health care facilities or pharmacies providing the vaccine.

“Taking vaccinations to the communities that need them the most provides further opportunities for those who are still considering vaccination to participate in an easier, safe and convenient manner” said Thomas Balcezak, MD, chief clinical officer, Yale New Haven Health. “That’s why the FEMA collaboration is so important. It reaches the state’s underserved communities, including areas where the pandemic continues to hit hard with higher infection and mortality rates. We’re extremely grateful to FEMA for partnering with us on this effort to reach pockets of the community who may not have easy access to this life-saving vaccine.”

The FEMA mobile unit will be located at Edgewood Park in New Haven from June 12 – 17, and returning July 6 – July 11. The vehicle will be set up in this residential area, hoping to inoculate at least 400 residents each day with the patient’s choice of either the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. No appointments are required, walk-ins are welcome and the vaccine is free. The goal is to make the process as simple and convenient as possible.

“The partnership with FEMA and the federal government has been exceptional, providing support to our state during this critical time as we continue to move as fast as possible to vaccinate as many residents as we can,” said Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont. “This first-in-the-nation Mobile Vaccination Unit is a vital tool in our toolbox to reach communities across Connecticut which have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to take every step possible, working with our network of vaccine providers, and with the support of our Congressional Delegation to ensure our distribution is equitable and touching every corner of our state.”

Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS), the largest and most comprehensive healthcare system in Connecticut, is recognized for advanced clinical care, quality, service, cost effectiveness and commitment to improving the health status of the communities it serves. YNHHS includes five hospitals – Bridgeport, Greenwich, Lawrence + Memorial, Westerly and Yale New Haven hospitals, several specialty networks and Northeast Medical Group, a non-profit medical foundation with several hundred community-based and hospital-employed physicians. YNHHS is affiliated with Yale University and Yale Medicine, the clinical practice of the Yale School of Medicine and the largest academic multi-specialty practice in New England. Yale New Haven Hospital is the primary teaching hospital of Yale School of Medicine. www.ynhhs.org