Next Phase Of COVID-19 Vaccines Start In Branford: Who Qualifies?

BRANFORD, CT — In an important update from East Shore District Health, it's announced that the next COVID-19 vaccine phase will be for people who are at least age 75 and older who do not live in nursing homes.

Under the state vaccination Phase 1B, hospitals and other health care providers will begin calling those residents starting on Thursday with appointments beginning Monday, Jan. 18.

"The next set of eligible residents will take time. There won’t be room for everybody on day 1. Not everybody can be vaccinated in the first week," a message from the health department reads.

East Shore District Health serves Branford, East Haven and North Branford. Its recent vaccine Phase 1A program was done in collaboration with nearby towns as well including Guilford and Madison.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Gov. Ned Lamont's COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group recommended adding anyone over 65 and anyone with at least one and possibly two chronic health condition to phase 1B.

The East Shore health department advises people to not call their doctors to schedule vaccination appointments, instead, starting Thursday, health care providers and hospitals will begin reaching out to eligible residents directly.

"You will also be able to book appointments through an online or by phone, but the health department says it does not yet have details on how those systems will work but expects to learn more next week and will share that information on its Facebook page. Check back with Patch for updates.

Meanwhile, those who were eligible for the vaccine under phase 1A who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to do so.

Phase 1A eligible vaccine candidates

Healthcare Personnel — All paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients of infectious materials.

Long-Term Care Facility Residents — Adults who reside in facilities that provide a range of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently.

Medical First Responders — High risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their response to medical emergencies such as Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, and Fire.
How to get access to a vaccination

Healthcare Personnel should contact their Employer Coordinator, who has been designated to ensure access to the vaccine. Vaccine administration for healthcare workers will be available at hospitals, outpatient clinics, and local health departments.

Residents of long-term care facilities should ask facility leadership about reviewing vaccine. All vaccine clinics in long-term care facilities will be administered by CVS and Walgreens.

COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Independent Contractors —Those who are self-employed, independent contractors, or otherwise not affiliated with an employer group, but are eligible for Phase 1a should register with the Vaccination Administration Management System (VAMS) to schedule an appointment. Eligible populations to receive vaccine in Phase 1a are healthcare personnel who are paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients of infectious materials.

REGISTER TO SCHEDULE YOUR COVID-19 VACCINE