FAQ

My child needs shots. What should I do?

The child needs to be a resident of Bloomfield. The child must be uninsured or underinsured. Bring all original immunization records along with proof of residency to the Nursing Division. An immunization assessment will be made and an appointment will be given at that time.

My child is starting school and needs a physical. Does the town offer this?

The Nursing Division does not offer physical exams to children or adults. You will need to go to your primary care provider. Another option is to tell the school nurse where your child attends that you would like the school physician to conduct an exam.

My 13 year old daughter is very nervous about going to school. This is her first year in the high school. When I ask her what is bothering her, she won't talk about it. What can I do to help her?

The roots of your daughter's anxiety may spring from many things. Since she is in a new school, she may be having some difficulty adjusting to the new environment. Perhaps she is having some difficulty with peers. Her body may be going through some physical changes that are affecting her. Since she is not talking to you about it, you may want to alert her school counselor to the situation so he/she can reach out to your daughter. Outside counseling is also an option, since it offers support and guidance outside the regular social network supports, and sometimes a child can feel more comfortable discussing their problems with a "neutral" person. Counseling services are

available to residents through the Division of Human Services on a sliding fee. Referral for counseling can also be made to local providers depending on your insurance coverage. Since the nervousness may even spring from something physical , a medical evaluation is also advised.

I am taking an anti-depressant medication, and I am worried that I may become addicted to it. Are anti-depressants addictive?

Anti-depressant medications are not addictive. Just like a person who has diabetes may need insulin because his or her body does not produce it, anti-depressants help make certain chemicals in the brain more available so the brain's chemical messengers-neurotransmitters work properly.  There are some anti-anxiety medications that can be addictive, which are categorized as "benzodiazpines" but usually they are prescribed in doses that are very low.  If you have any concerns about the medications you are taking, it is important to discuss these matters with your doctor.