Where To Get Coronavirus Vaccine In Connecticut

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut is once again ramping up its vaccine eligibility with residents between 55 and 64, preK-12 educators and child care providers being the next eligible groups come March 1.

Both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump administrations have generally been complimentary of Connecticut’s vaccine rollout. The state generally ranks among the top five for number of doses administered per capita. The state had administered more than 912,000 doses as of Feb. 24.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced that the state would move to an age-based system for future vaccine eligibility instead of moving to front-line essential workers and people with certain pre-existing health conditions.

The move was made in the name of efficiency and as a way to quickly vaccinate residents 55 and over — a group that makes up 96 percent of coronavirus-related deaths in the state. The move caught many people off-guard. It has been both praised and lamented by residents. Some front-line essential workers like grocery store workers said they felt betrayed by the change after being told their in-person duties were necessary.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the Biden administration stood by its guidelines. Governors ultimately have authority over vaccine prioritization.

Who can get vaccinated

As of Wednesday, the coronavirus vaccine is available to the following groups of Connecticut residents, as well as certain residents from other states who work in Connecticut:

• Health care personnel
• Medical first responders
• Long-term care facility residents and staff
• People 65 and over

Starting March 1 the vaccine will be available to people 55 and over, as well as preK-12 educators and child care providers.

Where to get vaccinated and sign-up for an appointment

Connecticut has an ever-growing number of vaccine clinics across the state. The state has partnered with the United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 service to put together a searchable map of locations.

Appointments can be made online anytime or by calling 877-918-2224 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. seven days a week. State officials caution that the phone line can have long wait times for a few days after a new group of people become eligible.

Some clinic sites use the federal vaccine administration management system and others use their own scheduling systems.

PreK-12 educators and child care providers will be vaccinated through a separate clinic system. The full details haven’t been announced yet.