Vaccination Appointments For Westporters 65+ Open Feb. 11: Marpe

WESTPORT, CT — Beginning on Feb. 11, Westport and other Connecticut residents 65 and older will be eligible to set up appointments to receive the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine under the state's program, Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe announced Tuesday.

Governor Ned Lamont opened up the vaccination program to more residents beginning Thursday under Phase 1b of the initiative. Vaccinations under Phase 1a, which includes individuals over the age of 75, will continue.

About 350,000 individuals in the 65-74 category should be vaccinated relatively quickly, according to Lamont, based on state officials' expectation of receiving 60,000 weekly doses of vaccine from the federal government. Officials added that those projects could change based on vaccine availability and public demand.

Walgreens, CVS and Walmart will be offering vaccines at some of their locations in Connecticut, but appointments will be required.

"The expanded vaccine eligibility comes at a time while many in the 75+ category continue to experience difficulties with the registration and scheduling processes," Marpe said in a statement. "To manage the increased volumes, the State has enhanced its phone line capacity and its ability to assist with vaccine scheduling. It is anticipated that vaccination appointments will be made within five minutes or less. Appointments for both the first and second vaccine can now be made simultaneously."

Officials recommend that eligible residents make appointments at any available vaccination clinic as soon as possible. Do not wait for an appointment in Westport.

"It is strongly suggested that those 65+ in the next phase consider booking appointments wherever available, recognizing that 75+ still need to be vaccinated locally and may have ambulatory or technological barriers to booking out of town," Marpe added.

To view a statewide list and map of COVID-19 vaccine clinics, visit www.211ct.org/vaccineclinics. Once on the site, enter your zip code or town in the location box on the right and press the yellow search icon.

For more information, read Marpe's full announcement, or visit the town's vaccine webpage, or coronavirus resource webpage.