Police were called to a Waterford CVS after a group of about 10 outsiders who drove to Connecticut to get the COVID-19 vaccine were turned away because they did not meet state requirements.
The group consisted mainly of people who, because they are 75 years or older, would be eligible for the vaccine under the Phase 1b guidance of the state if they live or work in the state. However, as they did not meet the criteria, they were told they could not get the vaccine when they showed up at CVS after registering online.
The Ledge Light Health District called police after the Department of Public Health notified the situation.
Police said officers arrived at CVS to bring the latest message that visitors outside the state could not get their vaccines and that they had to leave.
Brenda Warschau and her 86-year-old mother, from Long Island, NY, were two people in the group who said they drove to Waterford to get the vaccine.
Warsaw has said several times to CVS that her mother is from New York and does not work in Connecticut. She said CVS told her she could go well.
After Warsaw confirmed the appointment three times, she said her mother was turned away along with another group of New Yorkers.
CVS representative Tara Burke said there is nothing in the system that prevents someone from registering for the vaccine, even if they live in another state. Therefore, if the person does not meet the requirements of the state, he or she will be turned away when he or she arrives for an appointment.
Before people register for a vaccination, this is the message that, according to Burke, will appear:
Individuals must live or work in Connecticut and must also meet one of the following criteria:
- You are 75 years or older; or
- A healthcare professional at risk of exposure to COVID-19; or
- A medical first response that carries the risk of exposure to COVID-19; or
- A long-term care staff member; or
- Resident for long-term care
We recognize the huge demand for COVID-19 vaccines. As more supply becomes available and fitness increases, we look forward to increasing access to vaccinations in more stores and more people.
Connecticut has a reciprocal agreement with surrounding states to vaccinate people who meet the requirements and live or work in that state, said Josh Geballe, chief operating officer of Connecticut. However, someone who does not live or work in Connecticut cannot be vaccinated here, Geballe said at a news conference on Thursday, reiterating the previous leadership of the state.
Burke said it is the patient’s responsibility to read all criteria and make sure it meets the requirements of the state before registering with the CVS system for the vaccine. Burke said CVS should rely on people to read and follow state guidelines.
As for the incident Thursday, there were no arrests or altercations, and all remained civilized and calm, according to police.