Press releases
14/01/2021
Governor Lamont announces Connecticut residents over 75 can now register for COVID-19 vaccination appointments as state transition to Phase 1b
1.3 million residents are able to receive vaccine in phase 1b, as 46,000 first doses are expected to be delivered weekly by the federal government.
Governor Lamont accepts the Advisory Group’s recommendations to extend Phase 1b to more populations
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that phase 1b of Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination will begin on Monday, January 18, 2021, and residents in the state over the age of 75 can now schedule appointments to receive the vaccine.
In addition, Governor Lamont announced that he accepted the recommendations of the award subcommittee of the governor’s COVID-19 vaccine advisory group to extend Phase 1b to additional population groups. In the coming weeks, phase 1b will expand to include:
- Residents between the ages of 65 and 74 (approximately 353,000 individuals); and
- Residents between the ages of 16 and 64 who have underlying health conditions that pose a risk for the virus (approximately 362,000 individuals).
This is in addition to those already in phase 1b, including:
- Residents 75 years and older (approximately 277,000 individuals);
- Residents and staff of congregations (approximately 50,000 individuals); and
- Frontline essential workers (approximately 325,000 individuals).
To ensure that the most vulnerable populations are prioritized within Phase 1b, Governor Lamont instructed the Connecticut Department of Public Health to begin the phase by prioritizing the vaccine for persons over 75 in the first wave. As supply increases and a significant proportion of individuals over 75 receive the vaccine, phase 1b will be open to include more of the appropriate populations, focusing on addressing issues of equity and the risk of poor outcomes. of COVID-19.
It is estimated that 1.3 million residents in Connecticut are eligible for Phase 1b. Currently, the state expects to receive approximately 46,000 initial doses of the vaccine per week from the federal government.
All eligible residents must make an appointment before receiving the vaccination. As of today, individuals older than 75 can make appointments using the following tools:
- Healthcare Provider: Many residents have already been contacted or will be contacted to schedule an appointment through their healthcare provider if their provider participates in the state vaccination program. Not all providers give the vaccine. A list of participating providers is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Residents are asked not to contact their doctor or healthcare provider directly for COVID vaccine appointments.
- Online: A form is available online at ct.gov/covidvaccine which allows individuals to schedule an appointment through the Web-based Vaccine Management System (VAMS).
- telephone: Those who do not have access to the Internet can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. The telephone system was created in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and United Way of Connecticut and is specifically aimed at supporting eligible vaccine recipients who have limited access to technology, or who have language, disability or other barriers that may prevent them from existing use self-scheduling options successfully. The line will take calls from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:30 and offer a callback if all contact specialists are serving other callers. The team aims to return as soon as possible, with the aim of responding on the same day.
Further details on eligibility for Phase 1b will be available and will include guidelines for employers, employees, self-employed workers and other individuals on when and how to plan vaccinations for vaccinations and where vaccinations will be available.
Providers can fill appointments with other eligible Phase 1b populations if places are available.
“The Department of Public Health in Connecticut has worked diligently with our health care partners across the state to increase access to the vaccine, but I must continue to encourage patience at this time,” Governor Lamont said. “We know many people are excited about the vaccine and the promise of the future that comes with it, but we are limited in our ability to distribute it based on the amount we receive from the federal government. We are hopeful that in the coming weeks and months we will see increased awards, which will lead to even more light at the end of the tunnel. ”
“Thousands of Connecticut residents have already received their first round of vaccinations, and second-dose shots began last week,” Acting Commissioner for Public Health in Connecticut, dr. Deidre Gifford, said. ‘With the start of Phase 1b, we will have additional capacity to administer the vaccine to tens of thousands of Connecticut residents, protecting our elderly, our staff and the vulnerable among us. Vaccinating millions of Connecticut residents will take time and I encourage patience and constant vigilance, including wearing face masks, social distance and avoiding large gatherings. Our state’s approach is balanced and offers flexibility when it comes to who is vaccinated, while ensuring that so many of our vulnerable residents are at the forefront of the phase. ”
Lisa Tepper Bates, president and CEO of United Way of Connecticut, said“Our team is pleased to partner with Governor Lamont and the Department of Public Health to provide this support to ensure vaccination access for all Connecticut residents, including those who, due to language, technology, or disability barriers, do not themselves through other channels can not schedule. . ”
To date, more than 160,000 people in Connecticut have received the vaccine during Phase 1a, which began on Dec. 14 and includes population groups such as health care workers, residents and staff of nursing homes and relief facilities, and medical first responders.
Connecticut counts fifth nationwide in the percentage of population vaccinated so far.
Visit for the latest COVID-19 distribution plans in Connecticut ct.gov/covidvaccine.
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