October 28 Newsletter: Vaccine Update, Access Health CT Enrollment

COVID-19 Vaccination Update
October 29, 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, including information on vaccines for children 5-11 and open enrollment for Access Health CT.

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.
 

COVID-19 Vaccination Information
There has been a lot of news this week about COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and vaccines for children, so I wanted to provide you with a clear guide on what this news means for you and your family.
Vaccines for Children 5 to 11 Years Old
Earlier this week, a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee approved the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11. The doses, which have been found to be 90% effective in preventing infections in this age group, could begin to be administered late next week pending additional approval from the CDC (Connecticut has already ordered 100,000 vaccine doses for children).

CLICK HERE for more information, resources, and timelines for Connecticut families to use when deciding where to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Booster Shots for Adults
The news about vaccines for children comes in conjunction with the approval of booster shots made by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Pfizer has already been approved to distribute booster shots).

Individuals 65 and older (as well as those 18 and older who work in high-risk settings or have underlying health conditions) who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are eligible for booster shots at least six months after their second dose. Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible if they are 18 and older and were vaccinated at least two months ago.
 

Children's Mental Health
All too often we learn about the increase in mental health issues, especially among children. Factors such as the pandemic, remote learning, and social media have all affected our children and their mental well-being.

As a parent it can be an overwhelming and emotional task to ensure your child gets the help they need.

Below I have highlighted some resources, including an upcoming mental health forum, for parents with children who are struggling:
 
Immediate Assistance:

  • Mobile Crisis Service 2-1-1: If your child is actively harming themselves, having suicidal thoughts, or planning to hurt others, call 9-1-1, or 2-1-1 and press option 1 for the Mobile Crisis Service. This is a 24/7 free service for the immediate evaluation of your child by a mental health professional. From a mobile phone, 2-1-1 can be reached toll-free at: 800-203-1234.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628- 9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
  • Crisis Text Line - Text "HOME" to 741-741, or visit http://www.crisistextline.org/ for more info.

NAMI Education Courses: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers online education programs for parents and caregivers to learn more about supporting youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI's Basics OnDemand is a free, six-session program that can be completed on-demand, at your pace.

On Wednesday, I attended the legislature's Committee on Children roundtable discussion designed for families in crisis. The discussion offered practical advice for parents of children who are depressed, anxious, suicidal, or engaging in self-harm. Highlights included how to locate counselors for your child, development of a family plan, and use of school resources. It also covered alternatives to the Emergency Room and specialty LGBTQ+ outreach for kids. You can watch the video here.
 

Access Health CT Open Enrollment
Good news! If you are looking for good, quality, healthcare the annual Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period begins this Monday, November 1 and runs through January 15, 2022. Residents can shop, compare, and enroll in health insurance coverage for the 2022 plan year.
To ensure your coverage starts on January 1, 2022, residents must enroll and complete their application by December 15, 2021. You can still enroll between December 16, 2021 and January 15, 2022 and apply for coverage that will start on February 1, 2022.  
 
Starting this year, Connecticut residents who meet specific eligibility requirements may be able to pay $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT. This is thanks to the state’s new Covered Connecticut Program. If you qualify, the state will pay your portion of your monthly premium directly to your insurance company and will also pay for certain cost-sharing amounts, such as deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about the Covered Connecticut Program, including eligibility requirements click here.
 
There are several ways Connecticut residents can get free help with enrollment, including:
  • In-person: There are in-person enrollment locations and events taking place across Connecticut. Find more information at accesshealthct.com/enrollment-events/.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Learn more at accesshealthct.com.
 

Facebook Live Event: Why Biking And Having Accessible Areas Are So Vital To Our Communities
If you didn't get a chance to join me, fellow State Representative Eleni Kavros Degraw and our panelists for last week's informative Facebook Live Event: Why Biking And Having Accessible Areas Are So Vital To Our Communities, please take the opportunity to check it out by clicking the image above.
 

Happy Halloween
Have a happy and safe Halloween weekend! Above are a few tips to make sure your kids stay safe while trick-or-treating this weekend.