Wood Provides Updated Information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

January 4, 2021

Representative Kerry Wood Provides Updated Information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 3, 2020 – The COVID vaccination plan is underway here in Connecticut with most of our nursing home residents and staff having received their first dose of the vaccination as well as first responders with the highest risk of exposure. We are currently in Phase 1A which includes the following people:

  • Healthcare Personnel - All paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients of infectious materials.
  • Long Term Care Facility Residents - Adults who reside in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently.
  • First Responders at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their response to medical emergencies such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, and Fire.

There are two vaccines being distributed in Connecticut currently. Pfizer's vaccine is administered in two doses with a recommended 21 days between doses. Moderna's vaccine is also administered in two doses with a recommended 28 days between doses. Two weeks following the second dose, you will be 95%-96% immune to COVID-19. For the 4%-5% that can still contract COVID following both doses, studies to date have shown the vaccine will prevent serious sickness. Once you receive your first dose, you will schedule your second dose and it will be the same pharmaceutical as your first dose.

Phase 1B will start on about January 15, 2021. Eligible people include critical workforce (health care, first responders, and caregivers), residents of other congregate settings (long term care facilities, group homes, etc.), people over the age of 65, and finally those under the age of 65 but who are high risk. Phase 1B will last for several months. The likelihood of another FDA approved vaccine is high with both AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson coming online in the near future.

The vaccine is not mandatory. Those wishing to stay unvaccinated can so chose but mask wearing will remain a requirement for the foreseeable future. People who have been vaccinated can still transmit COVID as well as people who have antibodies from being sick with COVID.

The final phase of vaccine distribution is projected end of May. This phase will include everyone over 16 years of age and those under 16 years of age that may qualify. This vaccination roll-out plan is constantly changing with input from health providers, the public, and a committee that meets weekly. Employers can apply to be "critical workforce" at this link www.ct.gov/covidvaccine/employers. Additionally, your general practitioner, the Central Connecticut Health District (www.ccthd.org), and the Connecticut Health Center Inc. (www.chc1.com) are great resources for questions regarding the vaccine as well as testing. Free testing is available at all Connecticut Health Center locations.

My office is also a resource for any questions or concerns. I am sending out information about COVID positivity data, testing sites, and vaccines weekly on Fridays and posting to social media as much as possible. Please reach out anytime and I will gladly help anyway I can. My cell phone is (203) 520 – 1794 and my email is kerry.wood@cga.ct.gov.