Where & How to Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment
Many of you have been sending me questions about the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, specifically about where you can go to receive the vaccine and how to make an appointment. I realize that this can be a confusing process, and the amount of information in the news and on social media can be overwhelming (especially since circumstances can change so quickly).
There seems to be a real element of serendipity about this. Some of you have gone through the VAMS system with ease while others have been unable to log in. Some folks have registered locally and others have had to drive a long way. Some have gotten appointments within a couple of weeks while others have been booked well into the spring. The logistics of the pandemic have been wild, so, once again, I beg your forbearance. Keep trying!
I'm happy to say that two of the most efficient vaccinations sites are very close to us. While on a call with the Dept. of Health Commissioner a month ago, I argued in favor of having independent pharmacies, such as Nutmeg (Higganum and Centerbrook) be able to provide vaccine along with the chain stores like CVS. Nutmeg is doing an excellent job.
A word about VAMS, which stands for Vaccine Administration Management System: You do NOT need to register first through VAMS for most appointment sites. If you make an appointment directly with another provider, that provider should register you with VAMS, which is a federal (CDC) registry. As we continue to learn about the pandemic, tracking data about who is vaccinated will be extremely important, and so everyone who is vaccinated at any location should (ideally) eventually be registered with VAMS.
Here are a few options for you (with local choices listed first):
Nutmeg Pharmacy: Register on their website at https://www.nutmegpharmacy.com/covid19-vaccine or call them: 860-767-1389 or 860-345-3607.
Middlesex Health, Middletown https://middlesexhealth.org/patients-and-visitors/coronavirus-information/covid-19-vaccine Phone: 860-358-7050
Community Health Center site at Wesleyan University (Please note that for this site you MUST go through the VAMS or call the State's helpline, 211.)
The Connecticut Department of Health's new Vaccine Appointment Assist Line (open 7 days a week; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 877-918-2224.
The CT River Area Health District (CRAHD) - This local district offers vaccines in Old Saybrook, but you must register through VAMS.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Mohegan Sun: Residents who are currently eligible to be vaccinated can schedule an appointment for the clinic by visiting www.ynhhs.org/covidvaccine and selecting the Mohegan Sun location.
Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/covid19vac/CT.jsp
CVS: https://www.cvs.com/.../store/covid-screener/covid-qns
Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302
VAMS: https://portal.ct.gov/.../COVID-19-Vaccinations---VAMS...
Hartford Healthcare: https://hartfordhealthcare.org/health.../coronavirus/vaccine
Yale-New Haven: https://www.ynhhs.org/.../vac.../get-your-covid-vaccine.aspx
Please note that, as of this writing, only healthcare personnel, residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and individuals who are 65 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine in Connecticut. As Connecticut receives more doses from the federal government, health and state officials will make a determination as to when individuals in other groups (e.g. teachers, people 18-64, etc.) may begin receiving the vaccine. For more information on the state's phases, click HERE.