First Selectman Gives COVID-19 Vaccine Update for 65+

Town HallCOVID-19
Written By James Bairaktaris
Press Release

First Selectman Jim Marpe today issued the following update on the COVID Vaccine:

Yesterday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that residents over the age of 65 will be eligible to schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting on Thursday, February 11, 2021, as the State rolls into the next part of Phase 1b of its vaccination program. Vaccinations for individuals over the age of 75 and those within Phase 1a will continue.

Governor Lamont claims that the 350,000 individuals in the 65-74 category should be vaccinated relatively quickly based on the State’s anticipation of 60,000 weekly doses from the federal government. The State is also working with pharmacies, such as Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart, to offer vaccines at some locations. This projection is subject to change due to unknown variables, including vaccine supply distribution to CT and population demand. 

 

The expanded vaccine eligibility comes at a time while many in the 75+ category continue to experience difficulties with the registration and scheduling processes. To manage the increased volumes, the State has enhanced its phone line capacity and its ability to assist with vaccine scheduling. It is anticipated that vaccination appointments will be made within five minutes or less. Appointments for both the first and second vaccine can now be made simultaneously.

 

Do not wait for an appointment in Westport to schedule your vaccine. Eligible residents are encouraged to make vaccine appointments at any available clinic, and not wait for availability specifically in Westport. It is strongly suggested that those 65+ in the next phase consider booking appointments wherever available, recognizing that 75+ still need to be vaccinated locally and may have ambulatory or technological barriers to booking out of town.   

 

To view a statewide list and map of COVID-19 vaccine clinics, go to www.211ct.org/vaccineclinics, enter your zip code or town in the location box on the right and press the yellow search icon. 

 

As supplies to Westport increase, the opening of more clinics, including pharmacies and travel clinics, is anticipated.  The important point is that residents use the resources currently available to schedule vaccines and remain patient if delays occur.

 

There are several ways to register and schedule an appointment for the vaccine. 

  1. Online using the Vaccination Administration Management System (VAMS). This is an online scheduling portal that allows individuals with an email address to create an account, log-in, and search for a vaccine clinic near them. An email address is required to schedule an appointment. By using VAMS you will be able to search for appointments at several locations throughout Connecticut after entering your zip code.

 

 

  1. Through a third party VAMS clinic, such as:

 

    • Griffin Health Care Center in Shelton & Derby at (203) 433-3394

 

  1. By phone:

 

    • Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line is (877) 918-2224 or 2-1-1 and is available every day from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Additional trained contact specialists are answering calls and have expanded capability of booking vaccine appointments through the VAMS portal. If delays occur, a call-back option may be offered when contact specialists are busy assisting other callers. Please note, this state phone line is experiencing very heavy call volume.

 

The following drive-thru options are available through VAMS:

 

  • The Community Health Center, at Lord & Taylor parking lot 110 High Ridge Road, Stamford.

  • Pratt & Whitney Drive-through, Runway Road, East Hartford.

 

For tips or a video tutorial on how to use VAMS, use the following links:

 

 

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on the vaccine roll out, residents are encouraged to visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccinations. As nearby pharmacies, travel clinics or other sites begin to participate in vaccine administration, that information will be available at www.WWHD.org

The State of Connecticut is managing the vaccine rollout and its prioritization. Connecticut is currently in Phase 1b of the vaccine distribution.  Until Thursday, February 11, only those in Phase 1a or those 75 and older can register online to get the vaccine. 

Individuals included in Phase 1a:

  • Healthcare Personnel

  • Long Term Care Facility Residents

  • Medical First Responders

 

Individuals included in Phase 1b:

  • Scheduling now: Individuals 75 and older

  • Scheduling 2/11/21: Individuals between the ages of 65 and 74

  • Scheduling information coming soon: Frontline essential workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions with increased risk for severe illness

 

Important Information from the Westport Department of Human Services:

 

The Westport Department of Human Services (DHS) is working with Senator Will Haskell’s team to contact those who are 75 years and older to ensure that they are aware of the need to schedule a vaccination appointment if they have not yet done so. 

NOTE:  Human Services staff does not have access to the VAMS portal and cannot register on a resident’s behalf. However, residents may also contact (203) 341-1050 or (203) 341-5037 or humansrv@westportct.gov for additional assistance, as needed.

DHS has prepared a frequently asked questions document for residents in need of assistance with vaccine registration and scheduling at www.westportct.gov/vaccine 

 

James Bairaktaris
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