Some Healthcare Workers to Get 2nd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Today – NBC Connecticut

Some health care workers who received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine will receive their second dose today.

Hartford HealthCare will today administer the second and final dose of the Moderna vaccine to a group of front-line health care workers.

Connecticut began vaccinations for COVID-19 in mid-December with the first doses going to front-line healthcare workers.

The second phase, phase 1b has begun. Residents who are 75 and over can sign up to get vaccinated and signs up will begin soon for front line essential workers, individuals between the ages of 65 and 74, people between the ages of 16 and 64 with comorbidities and Connecticut residents and staff in congregate settings.

Early data released form phase one and two trials of Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 vaccine show that it appears to be safe and generates an immune response

Phase 1b will include around 1.3 million Connecticut residents and several primary groups will be eligible for the vaccine in Phase 1b, which is expected to begin this month:

Scheduling Now

Scheduling Soon

The state said key factors in determining who is next with be based on risk for severe illness or death and fighting health disparities and inequities, according to Department of Public Health Acting Commissioner Deirdre Gifford. Gifford said patience is required as the state rolls out Phase 1b.

During his press briefing Thursday afternoon, Governor Ned Lamont unveiled additional details about how residents ages 75 and older can schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

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According to the state's vaccination website, the following groups are eligible for vaccination in Phase 1a:

Not included in Phase 1a are health care workers who do not come into contact with patients or infectious materials, such as telehealth service providers.

Eligible in Phase 1a:

Phase 1a eligible individuals in health care should talk to their organization leadership to get details on how to access the vaccine.

Some health systems have set up appointment scheduling sites for 1a eligible health care workers in their systems as well as community health workers:

More information expected soon.

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available to eligible members of the general public starting this summer, according to the state. At that time you should expect to have access to the vaccine at the same locations where you would normally get vaccinated: pharmacies, doctors offices, community health clinics, local health clinics, as well as through other providers.

An NYC ER doctor who has seen the devastating impact of COVID-19 on his patients is now working to fight misinformation about the vaccine. Dr. Steven McDonald of Columbia University's Irving Medical Center joined LX News to explain why communities of color are less likely to trust medical authorities and why it's so important to reduce those doubts.

On Tuesday, the states vaccine allocation subcommittee followed the federal government guidance, recommending people over 65, as well as those over 16 who have certain health conditions, be included in phase 1B. That decision would need to be approved by the governor's vaccine advisory group.

For all individuals aged 75 and older, information on scheduling a vaccination is available now on the state's COVID vaccine website.

People 75 and over can make appointments. Everyone else in Phase 1b should not call or try to schedule an appointment yet.

Through a Provider:People who are 75 years old and up can schedule through a provider ready for public distribution of vaccine to eligible residents.

The state says more than 100 healthcare providers across the state are offering COVID vaccines. All locations require pre-scheduling and registration no walk-ins will be allowed.

Online:People who are 75 years old and up who have an email address and the ability toschedule an appointment online can schedule through the online Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS).

Family members can also submit information online for their loved ones.

Many providers can be accessed through the VAMS scheduling system including:

By Phone:Those without internet access can call Connecticuts COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. The phone system was created in partnership with the Department of Public Health and United Way of Connecticut and is specifically targeted to provide support for eligible vaccine recipients who have limited technology access, or who have language, disability, or other barriers that could prevent them from using existing self-scheduling options successfully. The line will take calls on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer a call-back option when all contact specialists are busy serving other callers. The team will aim to return calls as soon as possible, with the goal of same-day response, but should be prepared that it could take several days.

A vaccine is not expected to be widely available to the general public until late summer or the fall of 2021.

LX, or Local X stands, for the exponential possibilities of storytelling in our communities.

Learn more about the phases and eligibility here.

Visit the state's main Vaccination Portalregularly for all the latest updates.

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Some Healthcare Workers to Get 2nd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Today - NBC Connecticut