Weekly Updates with Aimee

update
April 1, 2021
This morning I had the absolute pleasure of reading to the kindergarten classes at Ridgebury Elementary School. It was wonderful to be back, even if was just virtual, at the school where my children both attended, and where I worked for many years. The students seemed to love the story of "Ada Twist, Scientist" as much as I do! And almost every child who raised their hand to share their thoughts told me they loved science, or wanted to be a scientist!  I'm so grateful to the Ridgebury students (and their three wonderful teachers) for sharing their classroom with me this morning.
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

All residents over the age of 16 are now eligible to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine. This new rollout of eligibility is four days earlier than previously scheduled - a testament to the diligence and efficiency of Connecticut's healthcare workers.

In light of this news, I want to add a note of caution that you may not be able to find an appointment right away. Below, you'll find information on how and where to schedule a vaccine appointment, where veterans can book appointments and how homebound residents can request in-home immunization.
How to Sign Up

You can sign-up for a vaccine through the state's VAMS website by clicking the button below or call

 Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment assist line between 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week at 877-918-2224.
Schedule your Vaccine with VAMS

In addition to the state's centralized portal, many health providers are offering vaccine appointments though their own scheduling systems. For potentially shorter wait times, take a look at the additional portals below to find an appointment that is convenient for you:

CVS Health (Limited Locations)
Sign up online here, or call 1-800-679-9691.

Walgreens (Limited Locations)
Sign up online here, or call 1-800-925-4733

Hartford Healthcare
Sign-up online here, or call 860-827-7690.

Individuals with High-Risk Medical Conditions Prioritized in Vaccine Rollout

Priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations will be extended to individuals with medically high risk conditions between the ages of 16 and 44. In consultation with hospital leaders statewide, Connecticut's public health leaders have determined that the following conditions will be considered high-risk:

  • Sickle cell disease
  • End state renal disease (on dialysis)
  • Active cancer treatment
  • Solid organ transplant
  • Down syndrome

Hospitals will contact patients with those conditions directly. In addition, all patients of Connecticut Children’s and Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital will receive priority planning in the vaccination process.

Additionally, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be able to receive vaccinations at dedicated clinics organized by the Department of Social Services.
Vaccines for the Homebound

The Department of Public Health has a new online vaccination form for residents in Connecticut who are physically or medically unable to leave their home. Once you submit a form, a representative from your local department of public health will contact you to schedule an in-home vaccination. To submit information for yourself or for a loved one,

 click here.
 
Vaccines for Veterans

Veterans who receive regular care from the VA in Connecticut are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of age. The VA Connecticut Healthcare System is offering vaccinations by appointment at their West Haven campus to all enrolled veterans, even if they do not qualify under Connecticut's age-based vaccination rollout. To schedule an appointment, call 203-932-5711 ext. 7784, 5627 or 7754.

If you are a veteran but are not currently receiving care from the VA, you can apply to

 enroll online here.
Women's History Month Contest!
 
Calling all Ridgefield 7th and 8th graders - celebrate Women's History Month with me! Follow the prompt above and submit your work by clicking the button below.
Submit Work