Vernon's Latest Vaccine Efforts Reach A Special Clientele

VERNON, CT — Susan Ahrens is not one to overthink things, but she did admit to facing some trepidation while driving to Vernon from Bloomfield Wednesday for a coronavirus vaccine clinic designed to make it more comfortable for her 28-year-old son, David.

Other clinics were simply not designed to accommodate the autism community, she said. Long lines, general nervousness, the sense of being rushed and no available assistance with physical management technique put the clinics out of the question.

Aherens said what little concern she had quickly dissipated when she saw the setting at the Vernon Senior Center. One vaccine area was set up. PMT-trained personnel were there. One of David's favorite movies, "Alice in Wonderland," was on a TV screen.

It was over in just a few minutes with no problems.

"It did go smoothly," Susan Ahrens said. She pointed to the presence of PMT-trained personnel and what she termed soothing conversations with Vernon Assistant Recreation Director and clinic director Amy Watt and Dr. Daksh Rampal, who has partnered with the town of Vernon for the clinics through his Priority Urgent Care Practice.

"Amy was amazing and Dr. Rampal worked with us for a lot of pre-visit prep," Ahrens said.

That's just what Walter Glomb wants to hear.

Glomb, the Director of the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities, said finding a viable venue for state residents with developmental disabilities has been on the radar for months.

"One of our goals has been to help improve vaccine access," he said. "The state took a leading role and has been one of the best in the nation at getting the vaccine to people, but it started with age then some classifications. In that spirit, some were left behind, especially those with behavioral issues."

The mass clinics and the pharmacies "just can't handle the special conditions needed," he said.

Glomb said the vaccine environment has now evolved with fewer needing the vaccine so special conditions can be met.

He said Vernon set up the perfect clinic.

"We're happy with the way it has turned out today," Watt said Wednesday. In all, Vernon scheduled five special needs vaccines for Wednesday.

"We want to learn from this," Glomb said. "We want to develop a practical tool kit after we disseminate all this information and get it to the the agencies."

In the vaccine area, David Ahrens seemed to be OK during his 15-minute shot recovery period. He was actually looking up doctor visit information on his tablet.

Susan Ahrens said they opted for the one-dose John & Johnson vaccine for practicality. David had been limited to going to places like stores and bowling because he does not do well with masks, she said, so having him vaccinated gave the family a sense of freedom.

"His quality of life had tanked (during the pandemic)," Susan Ahrens said. "We're definitely more protected now."

The special needs clinic was another in a series of clinics in Vernon's nationally recognized vaccination program through its mobile unit with Priority Urgent care. Clinics have ben set up in Mosques, churches, businesses, senior centers, and even on the town green and at local events like Tuesday's National Night Out and the annual fireworks display.

Dr. Rampal even went door-to-door to vaccinate shut-ins at a trailer park for those 55 and older.

"We've made it a priority to get people vaccinated and to be recognized nationally is a testament to that," Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency management Michael Purcaro has said. "Were happy to take the lead role in the state of Connecticut."