Weekly Updates with Aimee

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February 25, 2021
Monday, Governor Lamont announced that the state will be taking an age-based approach to the COVID vaccination eligibility schedule.

Many of you have voiced your concerns to me about this new approach and how it neglects first responders, essential workers and people with underlying health conditions. Please know that I share your concerns and will continue to advocate for you when discussing vaccination eligibility with the Governor's office.
Vaccine eligibility will expand to the 55-64 age group beginning on March 1 and dedicated clinics for educators and childcare providers will also begin in March.

The Governor said that age has proven to be one of the strongest factors contributing to COVID-19 deaths, with 96% of COVID-19 deaths in Connecticut occurring in people over the age of 55.

To that end, an age-based schedule of eligibility has been set over the next couple of months helping to give state residents peace of mind in knowing when they will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Governor also announced that teachers and childcare providers will be eligible to receive the vaccine at dedicated clinics. They will receive information soon from their school administrators and employers on where and when they will be able to receive the vaccine, regardless of age.

All eligible individuals in Connecticut are required to make an appointment in advance of receiving the vaccine. Residents aged 55 to 64 should not attempt to make an appointment now – they will not be able to schedule an appointment until the vaccine rollout expands to their age group on March 1.
 
Please note that while the age-based eligibility system does simplify some things, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is still a massive logistical operation and there may be delays due to supply shortages and weather.
 
To locate vaccination clinics, individuals should click here and enter their zip code. From there, users will be shown the nearest available clinics and provided with specific directions on how to make an appointment at each one, including over the internet and over the telephone.
 
Those who do not have access to the internet can call Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224. The line is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
I look forward to a majority of Connecticut residents being vaccinated in the coming months.

As we continue to navigate the upcoming virtual legislative session, I wanted to remind you about the opportunity to ensure your voice is heard. Though COVID-19 has closed the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building to the public, you can still testify and participate in public hearings from your home.

Outlined steps to testify in person, or submit written testimony can be found here.

You can monitor every public hearing this session in real-time on each committee's official Youtube channel (accessible here under the "CGA Live Streaming Feeds" heading). Some public hearings are also broadcast live on CT-N.
Legislative Survey

The 2021 legislative session has begun! The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted many issues that Connecticut was already facing. We’ve got a lot to do, and I’d like to hear about your priorities. Take the survey on my webpage and tell me how I can better represent you.