FDA, CDC Authorize COVID-19 Booster Shots for 12-15 Year Olds

January 6, 2022

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you to everyone who joined me in October, November and December at my Faxon Branch Library Office Hours in Elmwood.

The 2022 legislative session is quickly approaching! If you have ideas for new legislation or want to share your thoughts and concerns on state issues, I want to hear them. Feel free to email me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov or call me on my cell: 860-249-1684.

COVID-19 UPDATE

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots for individuals 12 to 15 years old. The FDA and CDC also shortened the time between completion of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose to at least 5 months and allowed a third primary series does for certain immunocompromised children 5-11. You can read the FDA's announcement here and the CDC's announcement here.

COVID-19 Testing:
As the number of new positive COVID-19 cases in Connecticut rise, it's important to get tested for COVID-19 if you are feeling sick or have been exposed to the virus. This will help limit community spread of the virus. You may have experienced or seen the news of the latest high demand for tests. Our community received tests this week for our social services clients, first responders, schools, and child care centers. West Hartford also received a certain number of tests for the general public but the supply was quickly depleted. I will keep you updated on when the town receives its next shipment. Across the state, about 1 million COVID-19 self-tests have been distributed to cities, towns, schools, childcare facilities, faith-based groups, and vulnerable populations across CT.

In addition to self-tests, there are walk-up test sites around our region.

There is a state-sponsored test location at 1161 Albany Ave in Hartford. Its hours of operation are as follows:

Monday: 11AM - 2PM
Tuesday: 11AM -7PM
Wednesday: 11AM - 2PM
Thursday: 11AM - 7PM
Friday: 11AM - 2PM
Saturday: 11AM - 4PM

Here is a link to every non-appointment site through the end of the year. For additional test sites, visit 211ct.org.

COVID-19 Vaccines
Being fully vaccinated continues to be the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19. The West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District is offering booster shots and additional doses for adults age 18+ by appointment every Wednesday and Thursday at the Health District office, 580 Cottage Grove Road. Call 860-561-7900 to schedule yours.

A pediatric walk-in clinic is scheduled for children 5 to 11 on January 5 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Carmen Arace Intermediate School, 390 Park Ave, Bloomfield.

For additional clinic dates and vaccine sites, visit the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District website here.

For additional resources and information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit Connecticut's Vaccine Portal here.

Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidance regarding isolation and quarantining for those infected with or exposed to COVID-19. The CDC has shortened the recommended time for isolation from 10 days to 5 five days for those with COVID-19. You can read more here.

The Town of West Hartford has implemented a local universal indoor masking requirement, effective at noon on January 6, 2022. The requirement is part of the broader effort to combat the surge in cases caused by the Omicron variant. The order only applies to indoor public places, which include anywhere that persons from different households are in the same space. Residents are also strongly advised that they should still mask-up anytime they are indoors with persons who are not part of their own household. The order also includes exceptions for persons unable to wear a mask for medical reasons – including children under the age of two – and persons who are eating or drinking. You can read the full announcement here.

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

Are you or do you know an essential worker who was impacted by COVID-19 and had out-of-pocket medical costs and lost wages? They may be eligible for relief through the Connecticut Essential Workers COVID-19 Assistance Fund administered by the Office of the State Comptroller with the assistance of Public Consulting Group.

The Connecticut General Assembly approved the fund to help support the critical workforce that helped keep our state open during the pandemic. Eligible workers who lived in Connecticut during COVID-19 can receive benefits to help with medical expenses, burial expenses, and lost wages. Program benefits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn More & Check Your Eligibility Here

STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES

The Women’s Business Development Council is offering grants of up to $10,000 to qualified women-owned small businesses in Connecticut.

The Equity Match Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow! Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability. The grant funds cannot be used towards operating expenses, payroll, or real estate improvements. Applicants are required to provide a minimum 25% match (see below for more details).

The grant application will be open between
January 17th and February 13th, 2022.

Learn More & Apply Here

Today from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., there will be a Vigil for Democracy to remember the 2021 domestic attack of the U.S. Capitol and reaffirm our support of the Constitution, rule of law and our nation's democratic institutions. The vigil will be held a the West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main Street. This is a nonpartisan event. All are invited to attend and encouraged to bring a candle or flashlight.

As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Kate.Farrar@cga.ct.gov. Follow @KateforCT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol!

Sincerely,

Kate Farrar
State Representative
she/her/hers

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State Representative

Kate Farrar

Deputy Majority Leader Proudly Serving West Hartford, Newington

FDA, CDC Authorize COVID-19 Booster Shots for 12-15 Year Olds