Naugatuck Valley Health District slates vaccine clinics

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic slated Friday at Ansonia High School

 

Naugatuck Valley Health District in Seymour slates Back to School vaccine clinic

 

St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley Thrift Shop in Derby to host vaccination clinic

 

Naugatuck Valley Health District in Seymour to hold vaccine clinic

 

Griffin Health, TEAM join to host vaccination clinic Saturday on Milford Green

 

Vaccination clinic slated Tuesday at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shoppe in Derby

 

Clinic for COVID-19 vaccination being held today at Ansonia Armory

 
From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

Have you been vaccinated? Now is the time! Mayor [David S.] Cassetti and Griffin Hospital are making it as easy as possible. 

Just WALK IN to the Ansonia Armory this Thursday [today] between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. with your photo ID, and you’ll be able to receive your first (or second) Pfizer vaccination shot.

It’s that easy!
Getting vaccinated protects you, your family and community. It will help us get back to life in the Valley and move us past COVID-19 once and for all.

Together we can #VaxtheValley! See you there!

Klarides-Ditria: Griffin hosting vaccine clinics in Derby, Ansonia

I wanted you to know that in the next two weeks, Griffin Hospital will be hosting several Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics for residents of Derby and Ansonia! In addition to Griffin’s weekly Thursday vaccine clinic at the Ansonia Armory, they are also teaming up with Iglesia de Dios Nuevos Comienzos, the Boys and Girls Club and Abundant Life Ministries to host vaccine clinics at those locations. The clinics will be held on April 22 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Armory in Ansonia; April 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Iglesia de Dios Nuevos Comienzos in Derby; April 28 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley in Ansonia; and April 30 from 9 a.m.-noon at Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia. These free to the public walk-in clinics are available without appointment and the vaccine will be administered on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.  Masks are required and social distancing will be enforced. Insurance information will be collected at registration, but insurance coverage is not required.  Those being vaccinated will incur no out of pocket cost.  “Griffin’s courageous caregivers have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to provide residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and surrounding communities with a range of vital services from heroic hospital care for those suffering serious complications of coronavirus infection, widely available COVD-19 testing that helped limit the spread of COVID-19, and now lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination in mass vaccination sites operating in Shelton and Naugatuck as well in numerous community-based clinics throughout the Valley and beyond intended to bring vaccination into the neighborhoods where people live in order to make it highly accessible.  "We are grateful for the opportunity to provide community vaccination clinics in Derby and Ansonia and appreciate the tremendous support and collaboration of community leaders and organizations who have facilitated vaccination events and actively participated in our outreach effort,” said Pat Charmel, President and CEO of Griffin Hospital.  “I want to thank Griffin Hospital and Pat Charmel for always working to address the health needs of the Valley and for making sure residents throughout the area have free, safe and local access to these vaccines,” Klarides-Ditria said.  “The doctors, nurses and thousands of other caregivers who make up the Griffin family have always gone above and beyond for us. They are true heroes.”

Sincerely,

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.

Rochelle, Griffin Health schedule 3 mobile clinics to Vax the Valley

State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia and Derby, and Griffin Hospital have coordinated three mobile vaccine clinics with local partners for Ansonia and Derby residents. 

These are walk-up clinics and no appointment is required.
The clinics are scheduled for the following dates:

• April 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Iglesia de Dios Nuevos Comienzos, 101 Elizabeth St., Derby.
• April 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, 28 Howard Ave., Ansonia.
• April 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries, 195 N. Main St., Ansonia.

The clinics will administer the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. 

Residents of Ansonia and Derby must bring photo ID and proof of residence. Insurance is not required, but residents who have insurance should bring their insurance card. 

Vaccines will be administered on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

"These clinics are a way for residents who are having difficulty accessing transportation or securing an appointment to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The most important part of moving the Valley forward from the pandemic is ensuring our friends and neighbors can protect themselves against the virus," said Rochelle. 

"Thank you to Griffin Hospital for being a strong partner on this initiative as well as Pastor Ulysses and Leslie Youngblood from Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries and the Life, Health, and Wellness Center, respectively, Pastor Dennis Maroquin of Iglesia de Dios Nuevos Comienzos, and Breon Sanders, Unit Director for the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, for always lending a helping hand to our community and making these spaces available for residents to receive their COVID-19 vaccine."

Residents who may have questions about the safety or effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines can reach out to Griffin Hospital 203-204-1053 or Rochelle at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov for in-depth information about the vaccine. 

Additional information about the vaccines is available at https://bit.ly/3tnJuMR.

Throughout the pandemic, Rochelle has worked closely alongside local nonprofits and faith groups to ensure residents in need had access to personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer. 

Rochelle continues to work with community partners to connect residents with food support, rent and mortgage assistance, health care, utility assistance, and connect small businesses to critical resources.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Klarides-Ditria shares info on COVID-19 vaccine clinics for veterans

The VA Connecticut Healthcare System is hosting several Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics for veterans at locations throughout the state.
Other clinics and locations are added to the VA's online calendar as they are scheduled, so please check back often.

Upcoming Clinics:
April 10 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - New London Clinic, 4 Shaw's Cove (Johnson and Johnson)
April 11 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Connecticut Veterans Home, 287 West St., Rocky Hill (Moderna)
April 12 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - West Haven campus, 950 Campbell Ave., Donaldson Center, Bldg. 2, 2nd floor (Pfizer)
April 13 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Newington campus, 555 Willard Avenue, Bldg. 2E basement (Johnson and Johnson)
April 14-16 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - West Haven campus, 950 Campbell Ave., Donaldson Center, Bldg. 2, 2nd floor (Pfizer)
April 15 from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Newington campus, 555 Willard Ave., Bldg. 2E basement (Moderna)
April 17 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Harding High School, 379 Bond St., Bridgeport (Johnson and Johnson)

No appointment is necessary but appointments are available during clinic operating hours by calling 203-932-5711 ext. 5627, 7784 or 7754.

Vaccine at walk-in clinics is first come first served and while supplies last. Masks required. 

To ensure social distancing, the VA asks that attendees not bring anyone to the clinic.

Sincerely,

Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo shares COVID-19 vaccine information

 

Rochelle shares info on state's rental assistance program, vaccine roll-out

Friends and Neighbors, Today [Monday], the state launched the UniteCT program to provide rental and utility assistance to residents financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approved tenants can receive up to $10,000 in rental assistance paid to their landlord and up to $1,500 in past due electric utility bills paid to their utility company. The program is funded by Connecticut's $235 million share of the federal stimulus package that was passed in December. Residents can complete and track an application from any computer or smart phone device. Applicants needing help filling out the application can call the UniteCT call center at 1-844-UniteCT (1-844-864-8328) or email DOH-UniteCT@ct.gov. Click the button below to learn more about the program and apply! Learn More and Apply Here

COVID-19 Vaccine Timeline Accelerated

Good news! The State announced several key updates regarding the phasing and pace of Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. First, the next phase of the roll out, which expands eligibility to individuals aged 45 to 54, will begin this Friday, March 19. If you are in this age category, you will be able to begin the scheduling process at 8:00 am on Friday morning.   The State also announced today that general availability to all individuals 16-years-of-age and older will begin ahead of schedule. Eligibility is tentatively scheduled to begin for this age group on Monday, April 5. This acceleration comes as the State was informed by the Biden administration that we should anticipate receiving a significant increase in supplies of all three federally authorized vaccines over the next several weeks.   It’s important to note that these dates are for appointment eligibility. They are not a guarantee of a timeline in which you will receive the vaccine.   Connecticut continues to rank among the top five states in the nation in the percentage of our population that has been vaccinated. Individuals who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine in Connecticut include: All individuals age 55 and older; Healthcare personnel; Medical first responders; Residents and staff of long-term care facilities; Residents and staff of select congregate settings; and PreK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers. All eligible individuals in Connecticut who would like to receive the vaccine must make an appointment in advance. Information on making an appointment and finding the closest available clinic can be found online at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Those without access to the Internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224. The assist line is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.   While a large portion of eligible residents have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, there are still a number of residents that need to be vaccinated. We must have patience as we wait to roll up our sleeves to get the COVID-19 vaccine.   Today’s news is good sign that the end of this pandemic is closer than ever before.

Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns you may have on Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267. Follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates. All my Best, Kara Rochelle State Representative

COVID vaccine clinic scheduled March 18 at Ansonia Armory

Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"Mayor Cassetti announces another COVID vaccine clinic, to be held at the Ansonia Armory, March 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

"For those residents 55 and older, please call 203-922-3975 to schedule your vaccine. Limited vaccines are available."

Naugatuck Valley Health District schedules vaccine appointments

 

Shared from the Naugatuck Valley Health District Facebook page.

Klarides-Ditria: Lamont announces vaccine appointment scheduling for 65-plus

HARTFORD - Gov. Ned Lamont has announced that Connecticut residents over the age of 65 will be eligible to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting Thursday, Feb. 11. Vaccinations for individuals over the age of 75 and those within phase 1a will continue.

Anecdotally, I've heard some scheduling portals are already open to registrants over the age of 65.

With approximately 350,000 individuals in Connecticut between the ages of 65 and 74, and a slightly increased but relatively small weekly supply of the vaccine being received in the state from the federal government, Lamont and state public health officials are stressing the need for patience on the part of Connecticut residents.

Currently, the state anticipates receiving about 60,000 first doses of the vaccine per week from the federal government.

All eligible residents are required to make an appointment in advance of receiving the vaccine. To find available vaccination clinics throughout the state, residents can visit ct.gov/covidvaccine and enter their zip code.

Appointments can be made utilizing the following tools:

VAMS online system: VAMS is the Vaccine Administration Management System and can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the state. 

To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment assist line is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. 

To make an appointment, call 877-918-2224.
Hartford HealthCare: Hartford HealthCare has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the Hartford area. 

To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Yale New Haven Health: Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. 

To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Stamford Health: Stamford Health is operating a clinic seven days per week at Stamford Hospital. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Walgreens: Walgreens is currently offering the vaccine at 12 different locations and will soon be adding many more across the state. 

To make an appointment using this system, click here.
CVS: CVS is currently offering the vaccine in four locations (Colchester, Putnam, Waterford, and Windsor Locks) and will be expanding to 12 more locations in the next week. 

To make an appointment using this system, click here.
Walmart: Walmart will be offering the vaccine at seven locations across the state (Hartford, New Haven, North Windham, Norwalk, Torrington, Waterbury, and West Haven). 

To make an appointment using this system, click here.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine. 

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria: Vaccine scheduling assist line expands

The Department of Public Health and the United Way of Connecticut have announced plans to expand availability and access to vaccine scheduling through the state’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line.

Beginning Monday, February 8, 2021, 125 trained contact specialists will be available to take phone calls to schedule vaccine appointments from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days per week.

Contact specialists will have the capability of booking up to 10,000 appointments at 12 locations across the state. This added capacity will be very important as Connecticut begins to receive larger supplies of vaccination doses on a weekly basis and prepares to expand Phase 1b eligibility to individuals between the ages of 65-74 in the coming weeks.

Key points on the expansion of the Vaccine Appointment Assist Line:

• Scheduling available seven days per week
• Scheduling occurs between 8a.m.- 8 p.m. each day
• Minimal wait times
• Appointments being booked at 12 locations across the state
• Up to 10,000 appointments per week
• 125 contact specialists trained and answering appointment calls

The phone number to call for vaccination scheduling is: 877-918-2224.

As Connecticut’s vaccination program continues, it is important for all residents to schedule appointments according to the state’s priority vaccination program. 

Currently, the state is focused on vaccinating those residents who are 75 years of age or older. It is expected the priority groups will expand during the month of February as more vaccine doses become available. 

The best place to access information on vaccine priority scheduling is via ct.gov/covidvaccine.com.

The United Way reiterates that language assistance is available for those who need it and the hearing impaired can access the Vaccine Appointment Assist Line by dialing 7-1-1. 

Sincerely,

This is a press release from state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour.

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.

Ansonia shares COVID-19 vaccine registration information for senior citizens

Sharing info from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"Ansonia Residents:

If you or any of your friends or family are over 75 and a member of the Ansonia senior center, please be on the lookout for a phone call from our Senior Center staff in the coming days. They will be offering assistance on how to register for the COVID vaccine.

Please also let our elderly residents know to be on the lookout for any scams related to calls for the COVID vaccine. There is NO COST associated with the vaccine. Anyone calling requesting money or financial information is NOT LEGITIMATE!

Please note that you do need your own e-mail address to register for the vaccine. You cannot register for the vaccine using someone else’s e-mail address.

PLEASE, Ansonia community members: if you have an elderly family member or neighbor who may need assistance with the technology aspect of registering for this vaccine, please lend a hand.

This is the website that our residents should go to as the FIRST STEP:

https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine

Once you do this, you will receive TWO e-mails. One confirming you did the first step, and the second will be from VAMS - the CDC’s website that allows you to register and schedule vaccination.

The e-mail from VAMS will ask that you follow a link to create an account password.

You will then be requested to log into the VAMS site with the e-mail and password you just created.

Once you log into VAMS you will need to provide health information, list medications, and enter insurance information (this last part can be left blank, the remainder does need to be inputted or ‘none’ selected).

Once this is done you will need to click on a link on the upper right hand side of the screen - that is not very obvious - to ‘make an appointment.’

Once you click on this, you can enter your zip code and locations offering the vaccine will pop up. Locally, Griffin Hospital, is offering the vaccine. They have appointments available the week of January 18.

We wish this was more straightforward for our residents. Griffin Hospital has set up a hotline you can reach at 203-204-1053 to assist with vaccine registration.

Please be patient, as we try to navigate these waters to ensure that our most vulnerable community members are vaccinated."

Rochelle shares information on COVID-19 vaccine, flu shots

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan

With the first COVID-19 vaccines being distributed and administered across the country and our state, we may finally be seeing the light at the end of what has been a long and difficult tunnel, state Rep. Kara Rochelle said in a written release.

How It Works
Through numerous rigorous tests and analyses, the Pfizer vaccine, which has already been administered to thousands of health care workers across the country, is considered both safe and effective. In addition, the vaccine developed by Moderna was approved by the FDA late last week for distribution in the U.S., and distribution of this vaccine is already underway.

Hartford Healthcare developed this helpful informational sheet below which explains the science behind the current COVID-19 vaccines.

While it is fantastic news that this vaccine looks to be effective and is in the early stages of being distributed across the country, we are not totally out of the woods. 

Doctors say that we will still have to wear masks and practice social distancing for the foreseeable future because it is still possible for people to carry light infections and pass it on to other individuals.




Vaccine Availability
The state recently released a framework of its plans for the distribution of an anticipated COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.





Over the next two weeks, the Lamont administration says Connecticut is expected to receive around 130,000 doses, with the majority of doses going to healthcare workers at hospitals. Click HERE to see the distribution chart for the rest of this month.

New information about the vaccine continues to develop each day and plans for its distribution are expected to continue evolving as the situation develops. Information on the state’s distribution plans is being published online at ct.gov/covidvaccine.

As the state insurance commissioner reminded Connecticut residents, I also want to reiterate that there should be no out-of-pocket costs associated with taking the COVID-19 vaccine in Connecticut, both for those who are insured and uninsured. This eliminates one more barrier to ensuring that we get as many people vaccinated as possible and getting this virus under control.

I will continue to pass along updates related to the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes more widely available. Meanwhile, let's all continue to do all we can to make sure we keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy, especially during the holidays.

NVHD offering flu shots for seniors

The Naugatuck Valley Health District is offering flu shots to individuals 65 years and older. 

To schedule an appointment, call nurse Kristie at 203-881-3255 ext. 107. 

Flu shots will be given without a copay to those with Medicare Part B, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and Connecticut insurance plans.


This is shared from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, Derby.