COVID-19 Updates
Let's be real. The relief we feel over the creation of the vaccine has been tempered by the reality that there is far too little of it being made, delivered, and injected into people's arms. The roll-out has been halting at best, and many groups -- especially teachers -- feel understandably overlooked.
President Biden has made a priority of stepping up production by fully implementing the Defense Production Act, (which President Trump only partially implemented), which should help increase vaccine supplies and equipment (as well as boost the manufacturing sector a bit). In the meantime, however, we are getting far less vaccine than we need. Currently, Connecticut is receiving about 46,000 doses (of the first shot) each week. But there are about 277,000 Connecticut residents over the age of 75.
Read more about Biden's Covid-related Executive Orders HERE.
As the State continues to try to get everyone in the first cohort of 1B vaccinated, health departments are asking for continued patience.
Help from Our Towns
Meanwhile, our town governments are reaching out to older folks (based on voter rolls) to offer help navigating the complicated Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). If you are over age 75 and have not heard from anyone yet, the numbers to call are:
-Chester: 860-526-1300 Ext. 202
-Deep River: 860-526-6020
-Haddam: 860-345-8531 Ext. 222 (M,W,F)
-(Essex: please be expecting a call from Town Hall)
Thank You to Local Health Districts
I want to take a moment to thank our superb local health districts - Connecticut River Area Health District (CRAHD) and Essex Health District - for the tremendous work they are both doing for our communities with both COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
CRAHD has been able to vaccinate more than 1,000 health care workers thus far, and organized a very successful drive-through vaccination site at Old Saybrook Middle School.
Thank you to all the staff and volunteers for your service to our community through such trying circumstances.
Vaccine Transportation Help
The Estuary Transit District (better known as 9-Town Transit) has partnered with Curtin Livery to provide "wait and return" transportation from any of our towns to vaccination sites, including drive-through sites. 9TT will cover the full cost of the trip and the trip is available to all residents, regardless of age or ability. Details for both of these programs can be found by visiting their website HERE.
Good News on Nursing Home Infection Rates
We received welcome news late last week that COVID-19 infection rates in our state's nursing homes have drastically dropped in recent weeks. Since the start of 2021, new cases of COVID-19 in nursing homes across Connecticut have dropped 50 percent, with more than 85 percent of nursing home patients accepting the vaccine.
This is an excellent trend, and it could be yet another sign that the vaccine is working as intended and that there may be a glimmer of light in what has been a very long and dark tunnel.
Avoiding COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
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.
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.
Stages of Phase 1B
Connecticut is expecting about 45,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses on a weekly basis from the federal government. We now know that the State will be taking a tiered approach in Phase 1B as we work to vaccinate the nearly 1.4 million people in the recently update Phase 1B category.
The Department of Public Health will prioritize vaccination appointments based on the risk of adverse health outcomes from the virus. Vaccinations will be implemented equitably with distribution focused in areas where residents and communities have barriers to access and care.
As of yesterday, a Vaccine Finder map is now available online by visiting the state's COVID-19 website HERE. Individuals can enter their zip code and find vaccine providers near them.
More information about the definitions of frontline essential workers and the list of eligible underlying medical conditions will be made available in the next several weeks. Once again, I would ask you to please be patient with the vaccine distribution process as state agencies are facing overwhelming demand while waiting for doses from the federal government to be delivered.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine or call 877-918-2224 for assistance if you are 75 or older.