North Branford Teen Makes Vaccine Appointments For Those In Need

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — A North Branford teen is doing his part to get a shot of hope in the arms of as many people as possible.

Luke Izzo, a 16-year-old who attends New Haven Academy, has been booking coronavirus vaccine appointments for those in need of the shot.

Izzo estimated he’s scheduled at least 150 appointments as of Sunday, both through independent community outreach and in his work as a moderator for the Facebook group New York/Connecticut Vaccine Hunters and Angels.

“We’re here for moral support, and we help guide them through the process,” Izzo said, adding group representatives will also book vaccine appointments for those seeking help if necessary.

As of early Tuesday, the group had over 23,000 members.

“We have a bunch of tips and tricks that we use,” he said.

Izzo also started a hotline, which he publicizes through his church and through community centers, to assist people with scheduling a vaccine who don’t have access to the internet or don’t speak English.

While he’s eager to book appointments for the elderly or those with comorbidities, Izzo encourages young people who are healthy to wait a week or two to get the shot, noting virus fatality rates are extremely low among young people.

“People age 45-plus are not done being vaccinated,” he said. “The younger folks need to wait a little bit longer.”

Vaccine eligibility opened last week to all Connecticut residents aged 16 and above. As of Monday, 67 percent of state residents aged 45 and older had received at least a first dose.

“There’s more demand right now than supply,” Izzo said.

When he’s not scheduling vaccine appointments, Izzo is a Boy Scout and chair of the New Haven County High School Democrats. He is also a special needs tutor and participates in Model UN and Model Congress, and does landscaping work.