HARTFORD, Conn. — Gov. Ned Lamont said on Monday that anyone over 16 years old will be able to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 5.
The revised schedule tentatively plans for the vaccine to expand to all adults over the age of 16 by April 5, comes as the state was informed by the Biden administration that it should anticipate receiving a significant increase in supplies of all three federally-authorized vaccines over the next several weeks.
Gov. Lamont explained the accelerated timeline is due in part to the increased supply of COVID-19 vaccines and how well the state is distributing it.
As of Monday, Connecticut has administered a total of 1,379,497 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
People who are over 45 can start registering on March 19, three days earlier than originally planned.
Lamont's office said Connecticut continues to rank among the top five states in the nation in the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated.
“We have some of the best and most dedicated providers in Connecticut who have been working around-the-clock to create the infrastructure that will provide vaccines to as many residents as we can as quickly as possible,” Governor Lamont said. “Based on our discussions with the federal government regarding vaccine allocation, we anticipate receiving more than 200,000 first doses per week by early April. This allotment, combined with our state’s strong execution over the past several weeks, allows Connecticut to significantly accelerate the schedule so that we can equitably and efficiently vaccinate as many residents as possible. It’s still going to take some time to get the vaccine to everyone who wants it and I urge patience to the greatest extent possible, but over these next several weeks I anticipate that we will have an opportunity to considerably increase the amount administered each day.”
“Thanks to the tremendous work of our vaccine providers, the efforts of the federal government to increase the supply of vaccines to the states, and the decision of the governor to stick with an age-based system, Connecticut has made tremendous progress in vaccinating our residents quickly, efficiently, and equitably,” Connecticut Acting Public Health Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford said. “As we continue to focus on equity in our vaccination program, this more rapid expansion to younger age groups will give vaccinators, and local health and community organizations even more flexibility to reach out and connect with our high-risk communities to improve access. As we approach opening our vaccine program to all individuals over the age of 16, it remains important that everyone continue to wear masks, social distance, avoid large gatherings, practice good hand hygiene, and isolate and get tested if sick.”
Individuals who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine in Connecticut include:
- All individuals age 55 and older;
- Healthcare personnel;
- Medical first responders;
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities;
- Residents and staff of select congregate settings; and
- PreK-12 school staff and professional childcare providers.
When asked if the state's VAMS system could handle such an uptick in vaccine appointments during his press conference, Gov. Lamont said they will do everything they can to make sure the system can.
Lamont also added for people to be patient and for the younger people to wait a few days before scheduling an appointment to let those most in need get to the front of the line.
Connecticut administered 85,569 tests over the weekend and 2,525 came back positive, yielding a positivity rate of 2.95%.
Hospitalizations did increase by 26 people since last Friday bringing the total number of patients in the state being treated for the virus to 407.
Connecticut's death toll increased by 23 people. The state's death toll has increased to 7,788 people.
The state continues to vaccinate well with 1,379,497 doses being administered as of Monday. Gov. Lamont said 59% of people 55 or older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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