Coronavirus Vaccinations Continue To Roll Out In Stamford: Mayor

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor David Martin said coronavirus vaccinations are continuing to roll out in Stamford even as new cases of the virus in the city continue to be reported.

During a livestream held Tuesday evening, Martin said 7 percent of Stamford residents have received their first dose of the vaccine and 47.5 percent of Stamford seniors in the 75 or older age group have received the vaccine as of Feb. 3.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday vaccine appointment registration will begin this week for Connecticut residents 65 and older, widening the scope of residents eligible to receive the vaccine.

"This is obviously exciting," Martin said during the livestream. "I am one of those that is now eligible, however I've made a commitment that I'll get my vaccine after our teaching staff and other critical members of the Stamford employees have had a chance to get theirs first, so I'm going to hang on."

Martin noted that, while progress is being made in vaccinating residents, city health officials are still grappling with the issue of there only being so much vaccine to go around, which he noted was not a problem unique to Stamford but across the state and the country.

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"We have a partnership between the Stamford Health Department and Stamford Hospital," Martin said, "trying to consolidate our energies to make certain that there is nothing in the way of [residents] getting a vaccine in Stamford, except the lack of vaccine itself."

Stamford Health COO Jonathan Bailey said the partnership between the city and the health system has been great as they move into their fourth week of vaccinating the community.

"Since we've started this," Bailey said during the livestream, "we've already had over 14,000 appointments made for vaccinating [residents] and have been putting those injections of hope into people's arms."

Bailey also took time to answer some frequently asked questions regarding the vaccine, including whether the vaccine is being given to New York residents in Stamford.

Bailey noted the state requires providers only vaccinate residents of Connecticut or those that work in the state.

"Unfortunately, the systems that were put in place for scheduling back in the middle of January when we started all of our community vaccination programs did not have the sophistication to be able to truly rule out those that may be signing up from out of state," Bailey said. "Also, there was a lack of clarity on the eligibility that was stated on the state's website, so we did have individuals that were from out of state, and particularly since we are a border community to New York, we did have individuals from New York access and schedule inappropriately and get through the system."

Bailey said Stamford Health has since been able to "put in hard and fast stops" to minimize this issue. Martin noted this was not a Stamford Hospital or Stamford Health issue, as he understood this was also an issue in Connecticut communities that border Rhode Island or Massachusetts, as well as New York.

"The point is," Martin said, "if you're not a Connecticut resident, you should not be coming to Connecticut vaccination sites, and Stamford Hospital will not give you a vaccine."

Bailey also noted some residents have needed to reschedule their vaccination appointments due to the recent snowstorms that have hit the city over the past month.

"If you aren't able to make it and you need your appointment rescheduled, and you just don't show up, we call and reach out to 100 percent of those individuals that do not make it in for their vaccination due to a snowstorm," Bailey said. "If, by chance, you don't believe you did get a call and you're still waiting to get your vaccination rescheduled, please make sure you call 203-276-7300, our call center, and they will work to get your appointment rescheduled ASAP."

According to Bailey, Stamford Health is administering an average of 700-900 doses of the vaccine each day, and around 5,500 doses each week, in Stamford.

Martin noted there are a number of places eligible residents can register to receive a vaccine in the city in addition to Stamford Hospital, such as the mass drive-though coronavirus vaccination clinic held by the Community Health Center, Inc.

Further information about scheduling vaccination appointments can be found on the city's website or at stamfordhealth.org/covid19vaccine.

Martin also noted that residents should remain cautious and continue wearing masks over their nose and mouth.

"Think of the health of your family," Martin said. "It's not just protecting you, it's protecting your family when you're out in the community. No matter where you are, wear that mask and stay at least six feet apart."

He also emphasized the necessity for residents to washing their hands frequently and avoiding large gatherings or big parties.

"I'm getting tired of this pandemic," Martin said. "I'm tired of wearing a mask, I'm tired of keeping distance, I'm tired of all the cancelled events and at times I just want to get out and go someplace, but I suggest to you let's be very careful. We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. I wish you all safety, but it depends on everyone continuing to be vigilant."

The livestream can be viewed in full on the city's Facebook page.