Press releases
1/19/2021
Governor Lamont announces layered approach to phase 1b vaccine appointments
The focus remains on appointments for individuals over 75; Individuals over 65 will be next, followed by individuals with a high risk condition and essential frontline workers; Vaccine clinics in congregated settings will take place throughout the period
(HARTFORD, CT) – With nearly 1.4 million individuals included in Phase 1b of the Connecticut vaccine release COVID-19 and the state anticipating receiving about 45,000 doses of the vaccine per week from the federal government, Governor Ned Lamont announced today who is directing the Connecticut Department of Public Health should proceed with the remaining groups in the phase with a layered approach based on the risk of adverse health outcomes of the virus. The governor is directing implementation on an equitable basis, with vaccine distribution points focused on areas where residents and communities have barriers to access and care.
The layered approach for Phase 1b will proceed as follows:
- Scheduling now: Individuals over 75 years old
- Scheduling next (probably early February): Individuals aged 65 to 74
- Scheduled soon (probably in late February or early March): Essential frontline workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions who are at an increased risk of serious illness
The vaccine launch for employees and residents of congregated residential settings will be implemented during Phase 1b.
More information on definitions of essential frontline workers and the list of eligible underlying medical conditions will be made available in the coming weeks.
“We are working to administer the vaccine to as many people as possible, but the biggest barrier remains our supply, as we are scheduled to receive only about 45,000 doses of the vaccine per week, while 1.4 million people are eligible in the phase. 1b, ” Governor Lamont said. “That is why we are working to implement this so that the vaccine reaches the people most at risk first. The good news is that we are seeing an overwhelming number of people in our state who wish to receive the vaccine – and this is a key component in keeping our residents protected from COVID-19. In the meantime, our administration will continue to do everything possible to get more doses of the vaccine to Connecticut as soon as possible. “
“We started serious vaccinations for our population aged 75 and over,” Acting Commissioner for Public Health, Dr. Deidre Gifford, said. “We have dozens of large vaccination clinics up and running across the state, with more coming online soon. In order to vaccinate our more than 75 residents as quickly as possible so that we can pass to other groups within 1b, it is essential that we focus on bringing vaccines in the arms of elderly and most vulnerable residents. We continue to ask for patience from everyone as we move through Phase 1b and beyond. While you wait patiently for your turn to vaccinate, remember to continue wearing masks, distancing yourself socially, practicing good hand hygiene and meeting only with members of your own home. “
Also today, the Department of Public Health sent a communication to all school districts, local health departments and vaccine providers requesting that anyone who has an appointment scheduled for Friday of this week or later cancel these appointments, unless they have over 75 years old or they were eligible to receive the vaccine as part of Phase 1a. Likewise, vaccine providers with clinics scheduled for Thursday that are not dedicated to individuals aged 75 or over or eligible in Phase 1a are being asked to cancel these clinics. This is being done to ensure that Connecticut’s focus on individuals over 75 is maintained.
On Sunday, January 17, approximately 221,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Connecticut since the start of the vaccination program, including 196,000 first doses. Connecticut administered 71 percent of the total doses it received from the federal government, including 92 percent of the doses allocated to all local health organizations and health departments, placing the state in the top five states to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
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