Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer screening is key to early detection. Many Vermonters may not be aware that they are due for mammograms, while others have concerns about out-of-pocket costs or other barriers to get a breast exam. The You First program strives to increase breast cancer screening rates throughout Vermont.

You First covers the cost of breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic follow-up. 

You First also connects you with a You First team member to help you navigate the health care system—from answering questions, to sending reminders, to scheduling appointments, to arranging transportation, to interpreting results.

You can become a You First member if you meet certain criteria.

You can download the application now.

What is a mammogram?

The Vermont Language Justice Project worked with the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to create translated videos describing what a mammogram is and why it's an important health screening.

Preparing to Breastfeed

Learn how to know what your baby is telling you and get tips on beginning a strong breastfeeding/chestfeeding relationship. Babies, partners, and family members are welcome to this free, virtual event. It's suggested to attend during pregnancy.

Tuesday, November 3 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Contact your local WIC office to sign up.

Vermont Afterschool

Vermont Afterschool is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all Vermont children and youth have opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and thrive outside the traditional school day.

The organization works to expand access to quality afterschool and summer programs, strengthen youth-serving organizations, and empower young people to participate in their communities. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, state agencies, and other stakeholders, Vermont Afterschool supports programs that help young people build skills, explore interests, receive academic support, develop relationships with caring adults, and prepare for future careers.

Vermont Afterschool also provides professional development and resources for afterschool professionals, promotes youth engagement, and works to make programs more accessible and affordable for families.

Flu, COVID, & RSV Vaccines

The department recommends flu and COVID vaccines for adults and children starting at six months of age, in line with the latest guidance of leading medical organizations. Vaccination against RSV is also recommended for infants, young children and older adults. These vaccines are especially important for anyone at higher risk of serious illness. 

“As we head into fall, now is the right time to get vaccinated so you are protected when the flu and other seasonal illnesses begin to increase,” said Health Commissioner Rick Hildebrant, MD. 

The recommendations are Vermont’s first under a new law passed earlier this year that enables the state to issue its own vaccination guidance with the advice of health experts appointed to the independent Vermont Immunization Advisory Council, which includes physicians, pharmacists, pediatricians and other health leaders.

“Our priority is to make sure our state’s health recommendations are clear, reliable and informed by trusted medical guidance that all Vermonters can depend on,” Dr. Hildebrant said.

Read the full press release.

It’s ok to have questions about vaccines.

Many people may have questions and concerns about vaccines. Asking questions helps you make the best choices for yourself and your family. Your doctor or pharmacist can provider answers and help you decide which vaccines are right for you.

Like any medicine, vaccines can cause side effects. They're usually mild, like a sore arm or feeling tired for a day or two.

Vaccines for flu and COVID aren’t perfect. You can still get sick and might miss a few days of work or school. But their strongest benefit is making sickness less severe and shorter, lowering your chances of needing urgent or emergency care. 

For more information on vaccine access and respiratory vaccine recommendations, visit www.HealthVermont.gov/SeasonalVaccines.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with whooping cough often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound. Whooping cough can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old. Other people at high risk of severe illness include those with immunocompromised conditions and moderate to severe asthma. 

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated with the DTaP or Tdap vaccine. CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for everyone. Pregnant people are recommended to get whooping cough vaccine during the third trimester of every pregnancy to provide protection to their baby before birth. 

Check out translated videos from Vermont Language Justice Project in many languages.