Police were called to a Waterford CVS after a group of about 10 out of state who were driving to Connecticut to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine was refused because it did not meet state requirements, officials said.
© Provided by NBC New York
The group consisted mainly of people who, being 75 years of age or older, would be eligible for the vaccine under the state’s Phase 1b guidance if they lived or worked in the state. However, because they did not meet these criteria, they were informed that they could not receive the vaccine when they attended CVS after online registration.
Click to expand
NEXT
The Ledge Light Health District called the police after being informed of the situation by the Department of Public Health.
The police said police officers arrived at CVS to give the final say that visitors from outside the state could not receive their vaccines and needed to leave.
It was a frustrating day for Brenda Warsaw, her husband and her 86-year-old mother from Thiells, NY, three people in the group who said they had driven to Waterford to get the vaccine.
“It is really disheartening when you are so excited to get something and be rejected,” said Warsaw.
After a desperate search for vaccine appointments, Warsaw said, she was directed online to the Connecticut pharmacy and, after confirming several times, took off on Thursday morning. She said CVS said she was ready to go.
But when it was almost time for a chance, the family was informed that they were not eligible because they were from out of state and did not work in Connecticut.
“I said, ‘I checked. I went over it several times and I don’t understand why, ‘”said Warsaw.
Warsaw said his mother was rejected along with another group of New Yorkers.
CVS representative Tara Burke said there is nothing in the system that would prevent anyone from registering for the vaccine, even if they live in another state. Therefore, if that person does not meet the requirements of that state, they will be refused when they arrive for the consultation.
Before people sign up for the vaccination appointment, this is the message that will appear, according to Burke:
Individuals must live or work in Connecticut and also meet one of the following criteria:
- You are 75 or older; or
- A health worker who is at risk of exposure to COVID-19; or
- A rescuer who faces risk of exposure to COVID-19; or
- A member of the long-term care institution team; or
- Long-term care institution resident
We recognize the high demand for COVID-19 vaccines. As more supplies become available and eligibility expands, we hope to increase access to vaccines in more stores and for more people.
Connecticut has a reciprocal agreement with neighboring states to vaccinate people who meet eligibility requirements and live or work in that state, according to Connecticut Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe. However, anyone who does not live or work in Connecticut is not entitled to receive a vaccine here, Geballe told a news conference on Thursday, reiterating the state’s earlier guidance.
Burke said it is the patient’s responsibility to read all the criteria and make sure they meet state requirements before registering for the vaccine using the CVS system. CVS must rely on people to read and follow state guidelines when registering, said Burke.
As for the Thursday incident, there were no arrests or altercations and everyone remained civilized and calm, according to the police.
Keep reading