Share
In a Thursday afternoon press conference, Gov. Ned Lamont, alongside the co-chairs of his vaccine advisory group, laid out his plan for statewide vaccine distribution. The first doses of Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines are set to arrive in Connecticut on December 14 and December 21, respectively, and pending FDA approval, the state plans to administer those vaccines in two phases.
The first part of phase one, starting as soon as vaccines arrive, will include the state’s 200,000 healthcare workers, 22,000 nursing home residents, and 6,000 medical first responders. The state anticipates all residents in those categories who choose to be vaccinated will have received both doses by the end of January.
Phase 1B, starting in January and ending in May, will include the critical workforce, which Lamont said includes teachers, some state employees, and those who are unable to work remotely and must interact with the population on a daily basis for their work.
This phase also includes those in “congregate settings,” which Lamont defined as those in group homes and correctional facilities. The remainder of Phase 1B is comprised of adults over 65 years old and high risk residents of all ages. The final phase, starting in early June, is the remainder of the state population.
Deidre Gifford, acting state Department of Health commissioner, anticipates that this final phase should last a few months.
“It’s all dependent on supply and how many people raise their hand to get vaccinated, but we’re hopeful that by early fall, we would have everybody who wants to be vaccinated to have received both doses of the vaccine,” Gifford said.
Lamont emphasized that this timeline is an estimate, and that many factors could delay or change the vaccine administration process.
“The supply chain hiccup regarding Pfizer today makes you think that there are a lot of moving pieces before the vaccine even gets to Connecticut,” Lamont said. “Still, right now, I’m hopeful.”
The state also confirmed that the vaccines will be made available to all residents at no cost, regardless of insurance status.