CONNECTICUT: New Vaccine Distribution Plan is Solely Age-Based

Governor Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut, in order to quickly administer the COVID-19 vaccine to as many people as possible, will pivot to an age-based approach to expand eligibility for the vaccine. Other previously considered scenarios, he explained, proved overly complex and confusing, would potentially exacerbate inequities in vaccine distribution, and slow down the process of providing it to Connecticut residents. 

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By laying out a clear timeline for eligibility for the vaccine, the strategy allows everyone in the state, including essential workers and those with chronic conditions, to know when they will be able to schedule an appointment. On Monday of this week, the planned schedule expanded to age group 55 to 64; on March 22, 2021, it expands to age group 45 to 54; on April 12, 2021, it expands to age group 35 to 44; and on May 3, 2021, it expands to age group 16 to 34. All previously eligible individuals and settings will continue to be eligible after March 1. Also, educators and childcare providers are eligible to receive the vaccine this month. “In a perfect world, we would have enough doses of the vaccine to get it to all 3.6 million people in Connecticut right now, however each state is being given a very limited supply, which is why we must take this phased approach,” Gov. Lamont said.