CONNECTICUT: Governor Announces Tiered Approach to Vaccine Appointments

Governor Ned Lamont announced last week that the Department of Public Health will proceed through the remaining groups to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1b with a tiered approach based on risk of adverse health outcomes from the virus. The governor is directing the implementation be done in an equitable way, with vaccine distribution points focused in areas where residents and communities have barriers to access and care. The tiered approach to Phase 1b will proceed with appointments being scheduled currently for individuals over the age of 75, followed by (likely early February) individuals between the ages of 65 and 74, and then (likely late February or early March) frontline essential workers and individuals with underlying medical conditions who have an increased risk for severe illness. The roll-out of the vaccine to staff and residents of congregate living settings will be phased in throughout Phase 1b. More information about the definitions of frontline essential workers and the list of eligible underlying medical conditions will be made available in the next several weeks. “We have begun in earnest vaccinations of our 75 and older population,” Acting Public Health Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.

---