January 28, 2022 | From City of New Orleans
City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board and Health Department to Host Community Resource and Vaccine Fair
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) and New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) have teamed up with several community partners to host a fun-filled event centered around health, education and resources for the community on Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the NOMTRCB administration building garage located at the corner of Curie Street and Leon S. Simon Drive. General parking is available along Leon C. Simon Drive.
NOHD will provide free COVID-19 vaccines for children and adults who have not yet received their vaccines or boosters, COVID-19 testing, flu shots and N95 masks. NOMTRCB will distribute cleaning products, mosquito repellent and other goodies. Represented agencies and organizations will have educational and resource booths, as well as equipment on display that is used in daily operations.
This free event will showcase the diversity of insects and other animals found in and around your home and garden. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with entomologists, rodentologists and other scientists. Field demonstrations of the benefits of planting a wildflower garden will be conducted, and informational fact sheets and other resources will be distributed.
“We are excited to provide the opportunity for our residents to learn more about insects and rodents. Residents will have the opportunity to see a demonstration on how to pest-proof their home, view live insects, and talk to pest control experts," said NOMTRCB Director Dr. Claudia Riegel.
This event is also a great opportunity to bring kids for their COVID-19 vaccines before New Orleans Public Schools' Feb. 1 deadline. Free rapid COVID-19 tests will be available, and results will be emailed or printed.
"The data shows that full vaccination plus a booster is needed for the highest protection against Omicron and other variants, so there's no better time for a vaccine than now," said NOHD Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno. "While almost 94 percent of the total population in New Orleans has received at least one dose of vaccine, we need to increase our numbers of second dose and boosters significantly to end this outbreak as quickly as possible. To meet this challenge, we are proud to partner with other community groups to host events in neighborhoods, making it easy and convenient for residents. For these reasons, we urge the community to take advantage of this excellent opportunity ahead of Carnival parades to protect themselves, their families, and our community."
Several local agencies and community partners have committed to participate in this outreach event, including:
- Healthy Start New Orleans
- Oak Street Health
- Louisiana SPCA
- Families Helping Families NOLA
- Civic Studio
- Water Leaders Institute
- United Healthcare Community Plan
- City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board
- Department of Tropical Health and Medicine, Tulane University
- City of New Orleans Neighborhood Engagement Office
- Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
- Metropolitan Human Services District
- Disability Rights Louisiana
- Department of Sanitation
- Department of Public Works
- New Orleans Health Department
- NOLA Ready
- Autism Society Greater New Orleans
- Resilience Force
- Louisiana Health Department, Environmental Health Section
- Dillard University School of Health and Wellness
- The Jasmine Lily Foundation
- New Orleans Fire Department
Vaccines will be available to all who meet the age requirements. The Moderna vaccine will be available to anyone ages 18 and over, and the Pfizer vaccine will be available for ages 5 and over.
Boosters are also available for all eligible individuals who received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine five or more months ago. Flu shots are also available for adults and children as young as six months. Residents may get a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time.
Masks are mandatory and will be available at the welcome desk.
For more information about the event or NOMTRCB, please email education@nola.gov or contact the office at (504) 658-2400.
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