More Vaccine, Accelerated Rollout, Coming To Danbury

Danbury CT

15 March, 2021

3:04 PM

Description

CONNECTICUT — In anticipation of receiving a significant increase in supplies of all three federally authorized coronavirus vaccines over the next several weeks, the state will be accelerating the rollout. The new schedule calls for all adults over the age of 16 to be eligible for the vaccine by Apr. 5, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday. "Based on our discussions with the federal government regarding vaccine allocation, we anticipate receiving more than 200,000 first doses per week by early April. This allotment, combined with our state's strong execution over the past several weeks, allows Connecticut to significantly accelerate the schedule so that we can equitably and efficiently vaccinate as many residents as possible," Lamont said. Connecticut continues to rank among the top five states in the nation in the percentage of population that has been vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lamont continued to preach patience to residents, but said that "over these next several weeks I anticipate that we will have an opportunity to considerably increase the amount administered each day." In the current schedule, residents eligible to receive the vaccine under Connecticut's program include everyone over the age of 55, as well as all health care personnel, medical first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, residents and staff of select congregate settings, and preK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers. Beginning March 22, those aged 45-54 will be eligible for the vaccine (scheduling for that tier will begin Mar. 19). Going forward with the new tentative schedule, everyone aged 16 and older becomes eligible for the vaccine on April 5. The state will work with providers and the Department of Developmental Services to accelerate access for the most medically high-risk individuals under 45 during the month of April, according to Lamont. "As we continue to focus on equity in our vaccination program, this more rapid expansion to younger age groups will give vaccinators, and local health and community organizations even more flexibility to reach out and connect with our high-risk communities to improve access," Connecticut Acting Public Health Commissioner Deidre Gifford said. Those eligible will still need to make an appointment in advance. Information on making an appointment and finding the closest available clinic can be found online. Those without access to the internet can call Connecticut's Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224. The assist line is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.