January 26, 2021

State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky with an update on the CT Vaccination Plan

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Connecticut is currently in Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination distribution process. Senior 75 years and older may now register for an appointment, and individuals 65 – 74 will likely be eligible beginning in February. This and the information below is all time sensitive, yet subject to change so, I ask that you take it all in good faith and understand that details are subject to change. Even as dates, appointment systems, distribution processes and vaccine supply availability evolve, I encourage you to remain hopeful and confident that all of us wishing to be vaccinated, will be vaccinated.

On a personal note, I urge you to rely on trusted sources of information and not be discouraged or alarmed by unverifiable chatter on social or pop media, where information can take on a life of its own. Everything presented below is authentic. Links, processes, recommendations and numbers are from their respective sources and accurate, at this time. Candidly, I believe our state government can and must do a better job with communications consistency, flow and regularity of its updates because, you deserve to know where we stand in this process despite changes in timing and logistics – right up to the final administration of everyone’s second dose of the vaccine.

In the meantime, please continue to contact trusted sources for answers and to verify that which concerns you. Your feedback is not only welcome but, I am regularly sharing your ideas and concerns with the Governors office and the vaccine distribution committee.

Now for the update:

To date, 265,947 individuals have received their first dose, and 42,555 have received their second dose. The state can now report that 27 percent of Connecticut residents ages 75 and older have received their first dose.

The state Department of Public Health (DPH) has released a status report on Phase 1b of the vaccination distribution program.

Please see below for the full report.

COVID-19
Vaccination Status Update: January 24, 2021

Connecticut is currently in Phase 1B of its statewide vaccination program.

About Phase 1B

Phase 1B includes 1.3 million Connecticut residents, but right now we are ONLY scheduling appointments for individuals 75 years of age and older.
Next priority sub groups include:

* Broad categories of the frontline essential workers can be accessed at ct.gov/covidvaccine. More details on occupations within each category will be announced as the state readies to open scheduling to this group.

** There will be tiering within the congregate settings. More information will be forthcoming.

***All estimated dates are subject to change depending on vaccine supply from the federal government. Until the governor announces the date for the next group to start scheduling, the ONLY group currently permitted to schedule an appointment are individuals in Phase 1a or 75+.

COVID Vaccine Information

The best source of information on the status of the program, eligibility, and vaccine scheduling is the Connecticut Department of Public Health website: ct.gov/covidvaccine.

You may also access the Frequently Asked Questions page of the COVID vaccine website for additional information.

Current Vaccination Partners and Locations (as of 1/23/21):

Please note: This list is frequently updated. Please advise people to check ct.gov/covidvaccine for the latest information.

For constituents or family/friends of residents 75+ with internet access, information on all appointment scheduling options can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination—75-and-older

Starting 1/25/21, a Vaccine Finder map will be available on ct.gov/covidvaccine. Individuals can enter their zip code and find vaccine providers near them.

Many locations can be accessed through the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS): https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine

Appointments can also be directly scheduled at the following locations:

UConn Health (Farmington): Scheduling Phone: 860-679-5589 Vaccine Questions: 860-679-8888
Hartford HealthCare (various locations): Scheduling Phone: 860-827-7690 or 833-943-5721 Vaccine Questions/MyChart Scheduling Assistance: 860-972-4993
Stamford Health (various locations): Scheduling Phone: 203-276-7300 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm)
Trinity Health of New England (various locations): Locations and scheduling (via VAMS or MyCare) online only
Yale New Haven Health (various locations): Online only, no phone
Walgreens (various locations): Locations and scheduling online only

Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Due to high volume, this option is only recommended for individuals who have not had success with or access to the online or other scheduling options.

Phone: 877-918-2224 Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This number is for scheduling appointments only. 211 should be used for general vaccine questions

The VAAL is currently booking appointments only for the Pratt & Whitney mass vaccination clinics in East Hartford. However, more locations will be added in the coming weeks.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about these updates or any state government issue.