With the first COVID-19 vaccines being distributed and administered this week across the country and our state, we may finally be seeing the light at the end of what has been a long and difficult tunnel.
I wanted to pass along information regarding the availability of the vaccine, how the vaccine works, and why you should feel comfortable taking it when it is available for you to take.
How It Works
Hartford Healthcare developed this helpful informational sheet below which explains the science behind the vaccine and how it works to protect people.
In short, through numerous rigorous tests and analyses, the vaccine now being distributed is considered both safe and effective. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed that the vaccine has a 95% efficacy rate (i.e. how effective it is at combatting the virus), while also citing "no specific safety concerns."
While it is welcome news that this vaccine looks to be effective and is in the early stages of being distributed across the country, we are not totally out of the woods. Doctors say that we will still have to wear masks and practice social distancing for the foreseeable future because it is still possible for people to carry light infections and pass it on to other individuals. So just because a vaccine is here does not mean life returns to normal right away.
Vaccine Availability
The state recently released a framework of its plans for the distribution of an anticipated COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. See the graphic below for the distribution schedule. Over the next two weeks, the Lamont administration says Connecticut is expected to receive around 130,000 doses, with the majority of doses going to healthcare workers at hospitals. See the chart at the top of this page for the vaccine distribution for the next couple of weeks.
New information about the vaccine continues to develop each day and plans for its distribution are expected to continue evolving as the situation develops. Information on the state’s distribution plans is being published online at ct.gov/covidvaccine.
There have been questions about when our valued educators may receive the vaccine. Because they are considered part of the critical workforce, teachers would be included under the Phase 1B portion of the state's distribution plan, which means they would be eligible to take the vaccine starting in mid-January. I wish to stress again that this schedule is subject to change based on the number of doses the state receives.
The state has also put together an informational page on how employers can begin enrolling their employees to receive the vaccine. If you or someone you know owns a business, please click the link HERE to read more.
As the state insurance commissioner reminded Connecticut residents last week, I also want to reiterate that there should be no out-of-pocket costs associated with taking the COVID-19 vaccine in Connecticut, both for those who are insured and uninsured. This eliminates one more barrier to ensuring that we get as many people vaccinated as possible and getting this virus under control.
I will continue to pass along updates related to the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes more widely available. Meanwhile, let's all continue to do all we can to make sure we keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy, especially during the holidays.
