April 16 Newsletter

April 19, 2021

We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.


Use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is on pause
 
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended a pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. This follows six reported cases of a rare blood clotting event among the approximately 6.8 million U.S. patients who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. None of these reported cases were in Connecticut.
 
The six individuals to develop a blood clot after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had something in common - low levels of blood platelets. All six cases occurred in women between the ages of 18 and 48.
 
The CDC, FDA and Connecticut Department of Public Health all take vaccine safety extremely seriously. Although the reported complications are extremely rare, today’s announcement was made in an abundance of caution. The state is awaiting the results of the CDC and FDA’s investigation before proceeding with any further use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. These results are expected within the next day or so.
 
If you have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within 13 days of your vaccination, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
 
Vaccine providers that were planning to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are delaying operations or offering the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, if available. The Department of Public Health will work with providers to minimize the disruption in vaccine administration. If you were previously scheduled to receive a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can expect to hear from your provider soon to reschedule your appointment.
 
The CDC and FDA will make a further determination on use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine later this week. I will keep you informed of their findings.

Are you eligible for more money this tax season?
 
This year’s extended tax deadline, May 17th, is just over a month away. Filing your taxes is more important than ever to ensure you receive critical federal stimulus money that may be available to you.



With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, there have now been three Economic Impact Payments over the past year, the so-called stimulus checks, made to individuals.
  • First Round - $1,200 per adult and $500 per child
  • Second Round - $600 per adult and $600 per child
  • Third Round - $1,400 per adult and $1,400 per child

If you didn't get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. In order to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, along with several expanded and refundable tax credits available to individuals, you must file a 2020 tax return, even if you usually don’t file a tax return.



The American Rescue Plan also expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit.  Previously limited to people over 25, the Earned Income Tax Credit is now open to

  • Individuals over 19
  • Former foster kids who are 18 years or older
  • Homeless youth (no age specified)

In addition, the amount available under the Earned Income Tax Credit for individuals without children has more than doubled to $1,500. Learn more about the Earned Income Tax Credit here.



If you need assistance filing your 2020 taxes, you can find a number of resources here


CLICK HERE to read the rest of this newsletter.