A Snapshot of Connecticut and the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

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by Frances J. Trelease

How is the Roll-Out Going in Connecticut?

Here in the Nutmeg State, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of more than 6,300 state residents so far. Each death represents the loss of a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor. But before we go further, let’s look at the national picture.

The COVID-19 virus rages unchecked across the country, with record numbers of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths reported daily. Earlier this month, a more infectious coronavirus variant – first detected in the UK – arrived here (along with California, Colorado, Florida and New York.) While there’s good reason to push non-stop vaccinations nationwide, the roll-out has been slow, marked by delays and confusion.  

Reuters reports that, as of January 7, only about 6 million Americans had received a first injection of the two-shot vaccines from either pharmaceutical provider –  Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. This accounts for less than one-third of the more than 21 million doses shipped, according to the CDC, and falls woefully short of the federal government’s promise to administer 20 million vaccines by the end of 2020. With no federal plan in place, states are scrambling to set their own priorities, and distribute the supplies. U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3rd District) said answers are hard to come by in Washington.

Said DeLauro, “This confusion and disruption to distribution are exactly why I, and so many of my colleagues and public health experts, have been calling for a vaccine distribution plan since the beginning.”

Yet despite challenges, Connecticut is faring well compared to its neighbors.  More than 100,000 COVID-19 doses were administered here by Jan. 7, including 1,800 second doses. That represents 3.3 percent of state residents, according to the NY Times. Governor Ned Lamont proudly reported that Connecticut ranks sixth in the nation, per capita, for vaccine doses administered. Connecticut holds another distinction, too. Said Lamont, “Connecticut is the first state in the country where every nursing home has gotten the vaccine for that first shot.” A milestone!   

While state officials gear up for a wider vaccine release in coming weeks, too many Nutmeggers remain confused about how, where and when to receive their vaccines.

How Does It Work?

Fox61 News reports that full vaccination of all state residents (who choose to get it) likely won’t happen until late spring or early summer of 2021. To start, Connecticut has divided its distribution into several phases.

Phase 1A began in December and included healthcare workers, nursing home residents and medical first responders. The state will soon move to Phase 1B, expected to include frontline essential workers, individuals in congregate settings and everyone over the age of 75.

phases.png

The charts show a timeline from the Connecticut Department of Health (CTDPH) and the Governor's COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group, based on the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) recommendations.  Those factors include:

  • Decrease death and serious disease as much as possible  

  • Preserve the functioning of society  

  • Reduce the extra burden the disease is having on people already facing disparities  

  • Increase the chance for everyone to enjoy health and well-being

More than 800,000 state residents fit the CDC 1B category. Acting Department of Health Commissioner Diedre Gifford said that once the Phase 1A demand lessens, 1B will begin. CDC recommends that any CT residents over 75 be included in Phase 1B.

Who To Call?

Vaccines will be administered in a range of settings: physician’s offices, hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers, and other locations that would normally administer vaccinations. Some dental offices might sign on as well. Those eligible for a vaccination should contact their physician, or the human resources officer at their job, to learn about their eligibility requirements. Also:

According to Lamont, the public’s acceptance of the vaccine is behind where it should be. While at least 85 percent of nursing home residents opted to get the vaccine, the rate is much lower for nursing home staff, down at 40 to 50 percent. The rate for other frontline healthcare workers falls between 50 and 70 percent.

The 1199 SEIU union, a state labor union for healthcare workers, launched a campaign to encourage its members to take the vaccine.  "I saw a lot of my patients die, a lot," said Verna Redwood, a CNA at Autumn Lake Healthcare in New Britain. "And the second reason is I have a granddaughter, who is nine. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes… I have to protect my family and protect my residents; that's my number one reason."

Frances J. Trelease is a professional journalist and content marketer, career coach and recruiter, with more than 20 years' experience using her M.B.A. and reporting skills to launch Trelease Communications (http://treleasecommunications.net), helping organizations craft messages to meet their goals.