First Selectman: Vaccine Update; Links to Register

COVID-19Town Hall
Written By James Bairaktaris

1/27 Press Release from Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe

The State of Connecticut is currently scheduling and vaccinating those who are 75 and older as a part of the vaccine rollout phase 1b. Individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 are next in line for eligibility and information will be posted on the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) website when the state opens up clinics to this group. More information for frontline essential workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions with increased risk for severe illness will be forthcoming.

Many Westporters are eager to get their vaccines. Some have registered themselves into the CDC's Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS), scheduled their appointments and have received first and, in some cases, second vaccine doses. Others have found technical challenges, a lack of information and guidance or difficulties getting their first or second doses scheduled. Currently, vaccination dates are not being scheduled sooner than three-weeks out. The process is moving slowly and as a result, frustrations are high.

Additionally, the supply of vaccines is simply not keeping up with the demand. There is a total of 1.3 million Connecticut residents who are eligible for the vaccine during Phase 1b. The state must ration the 46,000 doses it receives each week. At this rate, it will take months before all the eligible residents are vaccinated. Simply stated, there is a national vaccine shortage and it is impacting us locally. 

The WWHD staff have been consistently ordering more vaccines than it is receiving. The WWHD runs up to three vaccine clinics per week at varying locations: WWHD on Bayberry Lane, the Westport Center for Senior Activities, the Weston Senior Center, and the Easton Senior Center. The WWHD has a limited supply of vaccines and advises that eligible Westporters not wait for an appointment at a Westport clinic. Rather, go to the first available appointment and plan to schedule your second vaccine immediately after. The State’s 2-1-1 line now includes a public vaccine clinic directory to search for local clinics.

We are aware that some have found success bypassing VAMS and registering through hospital portals in the surrounding cities. These third party VAMS sites appear to be more direct and do not require waiting for confirmation emails and codes. For links to some local participating vaccination centers, please see further below. 

We are also aware that some residents do not have the mobility to obtain a vaccine in another nearby community or might not be able to leave their homes. Once supplies are available, the town is planning for a larger-scale local vaccination site as well as a travelling clinic to those who are most vulnerable and homebound. The State’s long-term distribution plan focuses on five or six large mega-vaccination clinics set up across the state and with neighborhood CVS/Walgreens pharmacies being a potential local option. However, there are multiple challenges with distribution, administration and the vaccine supply itself that must be overcome at the state and federal levels first.

Please keep in mind that neither the Westport Department of Human Services nor the Westport Center for Senior Activities has access to the VAMS portal, nor can they schedule a vaccination on a resident’s behalf.  Human Services staff is working diligently to answer questions and offer resources to help. Ultimately, the State's official helpline (dial 2-1-1) is the best option for registration by phone or to have your technical questions answered.

Do not be discouraged as the inevitable complications and delays occur. Your patience is needed during these trying times. Please remember to continue to wear a face covering, social distance and maintain good hygiene.

For more information on the vaccine in Westport, visit www.westportct.gov/vaccine or print Westport’s Vaccination Tip Sheet here: https://www.westportct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument?id=37255

For information on the WWHD’s plans to schedule and conduct vaccinations, go to www.wwhd.org

The State of Connecticut’s vaccine information site can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination---75-and-older

Third Party VAMS Sites:

 

James Bairaktaris
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