COVID-19 Update and Vaccination Roll Out

Many of you have reached out to me recently with various questions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and eligibility, so I wanted to provide you with the following update.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) and the United Way of Connecticut announced plans to expand availability and access to vaccine scheduling through the state’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line.

As of February 8, 2021, 125 trained contact specialists are now available to take phone calls to schedule vaccine appointments from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The phone number to call for vaccination scheduling is 877-918-2224.

The United Way reiterates that language assistance is available for those who need it and the hearing impaired can access the Vaccine Appointment Assist Line by dialing 7-1-1.

Starting February 11, 2021 all adults over the age of 65 will be eligible to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is part of Phase 1B of the vaccination program. All eligible residents are required to make an appointment prior to receiving the vaccine. To find available vaccination clinics throughout the state, residents can visit ct.gov/covidvaccine and enter their zip code. Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. To make an appointment using this system, visit www.ynhhs.org. Walmart will also be offering the vaccine at seven locations across the state (Hartford, New Haven, North Windham, Norwalk, Torrington, Waterbury, and West Haven). To make an appointment using this system, www.walmart.com/cp/1228302.

The governor recently announced that eligibility for vaccinations could be extended in March to essential frontline workers and individuals between the ages of 16 and 64 who have underlying health conditions, which make them more vulnerable to COVID-19. Over the past month, I have heard from many constituents who are employed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) who are both frustrated and concerned that they have not already been considered eligible for the vaccine. Most medical first responders and healthcare workers were already vaccinated in Phase 1A, and frontline essential workers will be included in Phase 1B. When that happens, I strongly urge that DCF workers also be included as frontline essential workers since they are required to enter homes and hospitals as a core function of their job.

It’s simply tragic that DCF employees are not yet able to get vaccinated. Although I understand that patience is critical as each group of individuals seeks to get vaccinated, these employees must be protected and should not have to wait until possibly March. After reaching out to the governor’s office directly regarding this issue, I am still waiting to hear back with definitive answers. Similarly, I recently joined my House Republican caucus members in calling upon the governor to include teachers and school staff to also be eligible for vaccination. I will continue to advocate for North Haven residents and will keep you updated as more information unfolds.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.

For COVID-19 educational resources, visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/communityresources.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me at Dave.Yaccarino@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423 with any questions or concerns related to state government. You can also follow my legislative activity by visiting my website, www.RepYaccarino.com, or on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/repyaccarino.

Sincerely,

State Representative Dave Yaccarino