Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont stated yesterday that the COVID-19 Vaccine phase 1b, which will include those 75 year old and older, as well as other essential workers, will begin as early as this week.

The governor announced that advanced registrations will begin this Thursday for those in the 75 and older crowd. Registrations will take place through the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS), however a new phone booking system will be announced within the next few days. Other members of this next phase will include education and childcare workers, as well as critical infrastructure employees, social service employees, and other adults who would be in more at-risk or congregate settings. Visit the State’s Vaccine Administration Portal for more information.

Westporter, New Yorker, and acclaimed author Roberta Seret writes to those in the next phase of the vaccine administration - describing her experience signing up for the vaccine, and the hope that came with it.

NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND: A VACCINE SEEKER OFFERS SOME HINTS

It has finally arrived, the day I have been dreaming of, a day more important than any birthday. A COVD-19 vaccine. How I coveted my friends before me who had already smiled as they felt the injection on their skin. I wished it had been me so I could hug my two-week-old grandson.

But I couldn’t allow my heart to stay above the earth too long. I had to prepare to make sure that my inoculation #1 went well so I could line up for #2 and then be free.

Before I left my computer’s digital portal of registration, I noticed a small button to the right of the screen: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR #2.

I panicked. They did not say in all the directions and papers I had read what vaccine I was getting. Pfizer? Moderna? 21 days apart or 28 days? Before I could lament further and lose that little red button, I clicked on it and saw a calendar icon pop up. I remember I had put in the mouth of one of my fictional characters, “When in doubt, go with your guts.”

Moderna my instincts told me.

The next day, my doctor-friend confirmed that survival instincts do have merit.

Being that I am lucky to have two residences, Westport and Manhattan, I opted to get the vaccination in New York. Every day counted for me as I smiled and cried looking at photos of my 14-16-day-old grandson, soon to be 21-60-days-old.

As a person who makes her “TO DO LIST” even days before the day to do begins, I began.

The professor-writer in me would like to share it so you, too, can return to last year’s joys and make up for that one year lost.

FOR YOUR POCKETS: TO INCLUDE

1. Consent forms completed and signed. (Not all sites include this link and option. Be ready with a pen to sign at the time of inoculation.)

2. Proof of appointment. (Again, not all sites send you a text or email message to reconfirm. I took my cell phone if my email proof would be needed.)

3. Paperwork to prove I am who I am. (Medical insurance, photo I.D., driver’s license, pharmacy telephone number.)

4. Mask. (It Ain’t over 'til It’s Over. I took my strongest mask, my newest one.)

5. A glance at my medicine cabinet to make sure I have aspirin or Tylenol if I react with a fever. A friend even took an EpiPen, just in case.)

6. Cell phone. I wanted to be prepared if I had to call my grandson’s father. I remembered a quote from John Steinbeck: “A boy becomes a man when a man is needed.

7. I was ready now to feel that needle in my arm and inject me with HOPE.

Roberta Seret