CT Patch Survey: Coronavirus Vaccine Eligibility

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont announced that Connecticut would move to an age-based system for future coronavirus vaccine eligibility. Previously the state was planning for front-line essential workers and people with certain pre-existing medical conditions to be next on the eligibility list.

Pre-K-12 teachers, other in-person school staff, school bus drivers and child care providers will also be eligible March 1 through a separate vaccination program.

The age brackets are as follows:

• March 1: Expands to the age group 55 to 64
• March 22: Expands to age group 45 to 54
• April 12: Expands to age group 35 to 44
• May 3: Expands to age group 16 to 34

Lamont cited some complications that occurred in other states as a reason for a simpler system. Around 96 percent of all Connecticut coronavirus-related deaths occur in people over the age of 55, according to the state Department of Public Health.

Connecticut's new plan doesn't align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to vaccinate front-line essential workers and people with certain pre-existing conditions before the general population.

Some people are happy with the simpler design, but others aren't. The UFCW Local 371 grocery store worker union decried Lamont's decision to not include front-line essential workers.

Connecticut Patch wants to know what our readers think of the changes. Please take a few minutes to fill out the following survey.