Today, as the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts graduate into Phase 1b, Connecticut residents who are 75 years of age or older now qualify to receive vaccines and the state’s COVID-19 vaccination web portal is now available, and State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) encourages all eligible constituents to register. Due to limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, it will take a few weeks to provide the vaccine for everyone who is eligible for this next phase. Importantly, individuals must make an appointment in order to receive a vaccine, requiring the online platform signup.
“This is an evolving situation with plans changing all the time, but we have reached this important milestone in the vaccination process,” said Sen. Needleman. “Registering for and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will protect vulnerable populations and save lives. I commend all who have worked to make this happen and for the hard work they will continue to use to protect the public, moving us one step closer to the end of the pandemic.”
By visiting this link, those over the age of 75 or their loved ones can submit an application into the state Vaccine Administration Management System. Those with email addresses and the ability to schedule online appointments are asked to apply through the website; those over the age of 75 without the ability to apply online can call the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Family members can also submit information online for their loved ones. Scheduling appointments may take time due to strong demand for the vaccine, officials said, but the state is increasing its effort to enroll providers and staff. The state expects access to appointments will grow rapidly in coming weeks, especially for priority populations. All information submitted through VAMS or the assist line will be kept private and will only be used to schedule vaccinations. The link also contains a detailed and extensive list of frequently asked questions about the vaccine, helping to ease any concerns members of the public may have.
More than 100 health care providers across the state are offering the COVID-19 vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations coming soon. A map of all locations will be made available in coming weeks.
Expanded access to the COVID-19 vaccine is increasingly important, especially in high-risk groups, to reduce the severe impacts the virus has had on the state. While just 13,695 of the state’s more than 200,000 COVID-19 infections were among people 80 and over, and less than 27,000 of them were among people 70 and over, more than 5,200 of Connecticut’s 6,536 total COVID-19 deaths as of January 13, nearly 80 percent, were among individuals in those age groups.