January 15, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Sign-up Now LIVE

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I would like to provide you with an update on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process in Connecticut. The information below is based on the latest details released by the governor’s office and the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH).
Please note that some of this information may change, and should that happen, I will forward the most up-to-date announcements to you as soon as possible.

Phase 1a
Phase 1a included healthcare professionals, medical first responders, and nursing home residents and employees. More than 160,000 residents have now received the vaccination under this phase, which began a month ago today.

Phase 1b
Phase 1b will include:
• Residents aged 75 and older (approximately 277,000 individuals)
• Frontline essential workers (approximately 325,000 individuals)
• Individuals and staff in congregate settings (50,000 individuals)

Distribution for Phase 1b begins Monday, January 18. However, starting today, adults over the age of 75 may begin the online registration process through the state’s Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). If you fall into this category, I encourage you to do this right away should you choose to be vaccinated. When accepted into the registration portal, individuals will receive emails informing them of the next steps necessary in the scheduling process.

There may be an initial delay in scheduling access, but as the state actively enrolls providers and staff, access should rapidly grow in coming weeks. All information submitted through VAMS will be kept private. The link to VAMS also contains an extensive list of frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 100 health care providers statewide will offer the vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations and a map of all locations to be made available in coming weeks.

Individuals in the eligible age group who lack computer access or knowledge can also call 877-918-2224 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Next Phases
As the rollout continues into more phases, we expect 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. The vaccine is given in two doses. The State of Connecticut is not mandating anyone to receive the vaccination.

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
• Governor’s January 14, 2021 Press Release: Click Here

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns pertaining to state government. I can be reached by email at Gale.Mastrofrancesco@housegop.ct.gov or by phone at (800) 842-1423. You can also follow my legislative activity by visiting my website at www.repmastrofrancesco.com or my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/repgale.

Sincerely,

State Representative Gale Mastrofrancesco