Darien's Vax & Vote Initiative

This November, Darien voters completing one civic duty, casting their ballot, can simultaneously take part in another fall ritual: getting a flu vaccination.

The idea is not unique to Darien. In fact, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiated the “Vote & Vax” strategy in 2004 as a pilot program that reached some 13,000 people. During last year’s election, “Vote & Vax” greatly expanded their efforts, delivering over 21,000 influenza vaccinations at 331 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Piggy-backing on that same idea, the Darien Health Department has coordinated their own non-partisan “vax and vote” initiative for this coming November election.

“There’s a huge interest in politics in Darien, and polling places offer an opportunity to provide an important public health service to a lot of people," said Health Department Director David Knauf, who is organizing this year's vaccination effort.

The idea is to make the most of waiting in line to vote, and to provide people with a convenient way to get vaccinated. Thousands of Darien residents are expected to vote this fall; among them are hundreds of people who are at risk for influenza.

“The goal is to make it opportunistic and easy for people to do,” said Knauf.

Health officials pushing flu vaccinations are always looking for crowds of people. Knauf said that in the past, the health department coordinated a “train vaccination” program, which offered the health service to commuters. It didn’t go down well.

“The last thing you want when you get off the train is a shot,” said Knauf, “at least not that kind.”

This year, flu vaccination stations will be set up at the Town Hall, in rooms near the polling stations, and also at the Darien Library and the Senior Activities Center. Knauf said the logistics of exactly where and when the flu stations will be up and running are still under discussion.

The cost for the vaccination is about $30, and free for those with Medicare insurance.

Six hundred doses of the vaccination are on order, which is considerably more than last year. But Knauf says that given the interest in this year's election and the expanded network of clinics, that may not be enough.

“My guess is that we’ll run out of vaccine, so I’m looking into having access for more,” he said.

If this year’s attempt proves successful, Knauf said he would like to see Darien's “vax and vote” program continue in subsequent election cycles until it becomes a routine part of public health practice.