Vaccines Available to Residents 75+

January 15, 2021

The 2021 virtual session is underway, and just over a week in, the session is moving quickly. 

As a member of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee, I had a front row seat for its first meeting Monday where we started the long process of creating the state budget and setting long-term fiscal goals. As a result of the ongoing pandemic, our state will face budget challenges over the next several years, and the work we accomplish this session will set the direction for our state's economic prosperity in the years to come.

What are your priorities for the next biennial budget? I want to hear them, as well as any ideas you have for legislation. The deadline to submit bills is approaching, so please don't hesitate to reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov.

To find out everything that's happening at the Capitol over the next few days, view the CGA Schedule of Events here. You can also stream certain committee meetings, press events, and House and Senate sessions on CT-N

Below you will find information on the following:

  • COVID-19 Update
  • Legislative Business
  • State & Community Resources

 


COVID-19 UPDATE
Specific Updates for Our Community
 
Town Total Cases Total Deaths Number of Tests Number of Positive Tests
West Hartford 3,042 205 84,201 3,443
Click Here for COVID Data Updates
Click Here for Governor Lamont's Updates

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

 

On Thursday, the Connecticut General Assembly convened to vote on several judicial nominations. This session was scheduled for next week, but out of an abundance of caution, legislative leaders moved the date up in response to potential protests planned to occur over the weekend and in the days leading up to the presidential inauguration.

If you missed it, you can rewatch the session on CT-N. You can also read the House of Representatives Calendar for Thursday's session to see who was up for nomination, here

Thank you to State Capitol Police for taking the extra steps necessary to protect our safety today and everyday.


STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES

 

Connecticut’s Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccine roll-out will begin on Monday, January 18, 2021. Residents aged 75 and older can now begin scheduling appointments to receive the vaccine.

The State announced Thursday that in the coming weeks, Phase 1B will expand to include: 

  • Residents between the ages of 64 and 74 
  • Residents between the ages of 16 and 64 who have underlying health conditions which put them at greater risk for contracting COVID-19 

This expansion will occur as the vaccine supply increases and as a significant portion of individuals over the age of 75 receive the vaccine.

 
If you are over the age of 75, you can now make an appointment to get the vaccine, utilizing the following tools:

 
Healthcare Provider: Many residents have already been or will be contacted to schedule an appointment by their healthcare provider if their provider is participating in the state’s vaccine program. Not all providers are administering the vaccine. A list of participating providers is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Residents are urged to not contact their physician or healthcare provider directly for COVID vaccine appointments. You will either be contacted by your physician or you can schedule an appointment online.

 
Online: Go to at ct.gov/covidvaccine to register and schedule an appointment through the web-based Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). 

Telephone: Those without internet access can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. The line will take calls on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 
As a reminder, this is an ever-changing situation with updates coming in every hour. As your state representative, I will continue to pass along updates and key information as soon as it becomes available.

 
In the meantime, to protect yourself, family and friends, please continue to follow state and local safety guidelines including wearing a mask, social distancing and frequent hand washing. If we continue to follow these steps and get people vaccinated, we will finally be able put an end to the pandemic.


 

Sadly, even during a pandemic, there are scammers out there looking to take advantage of you and your loved ones.

Be alert:

  • No one from a legitimate vaccine distribution site will ever ask for your Social Security number or bank information in order to receive a vaccine.
  • You will never have to pay to get early access to the vaccine.
  • While you may be asked to provide health insurance information when you receive the vaccine, you do not need health insurance to receive the vaccine.
  • You will never be asked to pay to put your name on a list to receive the vaccine.

Scammers may pose online as legitimate businesses or organizations in an effort to steal personal or financial information.

  • Make sure that emails related to the vaccine are coming from legitimate sources before clicking links or opening attachments.
  • When providing personal information, double check the URL to ensure it is legitimate.

There are currently a limited number of federally approved vaccines and treatments. Avoid those offering a "miracle cure" treatment or medication that claims to prevent the virus.

If you become aware of a vaccine-related scam or believe you or someone you love may be the victim of a scam, you should file a complaint with state and local authorities. Suspected fraud or business-related scams can be reported to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection by visiting ct.gov/DCP or sending an email to dcp.complaints@ct.gov. Suspicious activities related to vaccine distribution practices or concerns for public health can be reported to local law enforcement or local public health officials.


Connecticut small businesses can now apply for the second round of the federal Paycheck Protection Program. This is an economic lifeline for businesses to weather the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses have until March 31, 2021 to apply. Businesses with less than 300 employees can file the application with their bank.

To qualify for the second round of funding, businesses must demonstrate a 25% revenue loss during one quarter compared to 2019.  Click the button below to learn more about the program and download the application.

Apply for Second Draw PPP Loans Here

Only 22% of Connecticut's businesses that received the latest round of stimulus loans were women-owned businesses. 

The Connecticut Women's Bi-Partisan Legislative Caucus is teaming up with the Women's Business Development Council for a virtual Town Hall meeting TODAY at 3 p.m. During this meeting, you'll learn all about the most recent federal relief bill, opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses, and a state matching grant program. Click the button below to register.

Register Here