Klarides-Ditria provides information on COVID-19 vaccine access

Dear Friends and Neighbors, Governor Lamont announced that phase 1b of Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout will begin on Monday, Jan. 18, and residents in the state over the age of 75 can now schedule appointments to receive the vaccine. To date, approximately 160,000 doses have now been distributed statewide. Vaccine access with be phased in for the following groups in Phase 1b:  Currently scheduling: Individuals 75 and older Scheduling soon: Front line essential workers Individuals and staff in congregate settings Individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 Individuals between the ages of 16 and 64 who have underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of the virus All eligible residents are required to make an appointment in advance of receiving the vaccine. Beginning today, January 14th, individuals over the age of 75 can make appointments utilizing the following tools: Healthcare Provider: Many residents have already been or will be contacted to schedule an appointment by their healthcare provider if their provider is participating in the state’s vaccine program. Not all providers are administering the vaccine. A list of participating providers is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Residents are urged not to contact their physician or healthcare provider directly for COVID vaccine appointments. Online: A form can be accessed online at ct.gov/covidvaccine that allows individuals to schedule an appointment through the web-based Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). Telephone: Those without Internet access can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. The phone system was created in partnership with the Department of Public Health and United Way of Connecticut and is specifically targeted to provide support for eligible vaccine recipients who have limited technology access, or who have language, disability, or other barriers that could prevent them from using existing self-scheduling options successfully. The line will take calls on Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer a call-back option when all contact specialists are busy serving other callers. The team will aim to return calls as soon as possible, with the goal of same-day response. Further details on phase 1b eligibility will be forthcoming and will include guidance for employers, employees, self-employed, and other individuals on when and how to schedule vaccine appointments and where vaccinations will be available. FAQ regarding the vaccine can be accessed here. Next Phases As the rollout continues into more phases, it is expected that vaccines will be available to the general public at pharmacies, doctors' offices, community health clinics, local health clinics, as well as through other providers. Additional Resources For more details about the tentative rollout of the COVID-19 vaccinations in Connecticut, please reference the following resources. Understanding how COVID-19 vaccines work (CDC): Click Here COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Click Here CT COVID-19 Vaccine Phases & Eligibility: Click Here CT COVID-19 Response: Click Here This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.