Connecticut has prepared for the authorization and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and is preparing for a phased roll-out. Our goal is for all residents of Connecticut to have access to the vaccination, although this will likely not occur until late Spring or early Summer 2021.
Connecticut is currently working with a broad range of healthcare institutions to serve as vaccine providers, and to evaluate several factors like storage capacity. We are also communicating with community partners and considering guidance from the federal government in finalizing our distribution plan.
New and up-to-date information about the vaccine in the state can be found on this website.
The State’s efforts are supported by recommendations locally by the Governor’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group that meets regularly.
Those interested may also find updated COVID-19 vaccination information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here.
The Vaccines
A number of vaccines are completing clinical trials to ensure they believe the vaccine they have developed meets important safety standards. Two vaccines have been scheduled for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) approval meetings at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) thus far. They are:
Distribution and Priority Vaccination
The state’s draft distribution plan (which is subject to change), developed by the Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Governor’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group is based on recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
The anticipated phases of vaccine distribution in the State of Connecticut are:
| As soon as vaccine is received | January-May | June-December |
| Healthcare Workers Long-Term Care Facility Residents Medical First Responders |
Critical Workforce Other Congregate Settings Adults Over 65 High Risk Individuals Under 65 |
Those Under 18 Remaining People Over 18 |
While supply of the vaccine will be limited initially, we do anticipate working to vaccinate vulnerable populations and critical workforce members quickly. In line with ACIP recommendations, the first phase of Connecticut’s vaccination will reach healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities.
According to ACIP, health care personnel are defined as paid and unpaid people serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials.
Long-term care facility residents are defined as adults who reside in facilities that provide a variety of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently.
ACIP made these recommendations based on several values:
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Decrease death and serious disease as much as possible
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Preserve functioning of society
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Reduce the extra burden the disease is having on people already facing disparities
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Increase the chance for everyone to enjoy health and well-being
Timeline
Vaccine will start to become available quickly after EUAs are in place, and weekly shipments are expected to follow. We expect to receive roughly 180,000 doses of the vaccine by the end of the calendar year.
We are expecting Phase 1a to begin in December of 2020, as soon as EUAs are approved.
We expect Phase 1b to begin in the first quarter of 2021 – hopefully as soon as January, depending upon the supply of vaccine. There may be some overlap between phases as new populations are made eligible even as groups in the first phase continue to receive vaccination.
Children Under 18
Clinical trials that include children are just beginning. Children are not under consideration in the current EUA before the FDA. They may be added later once the trials are completed and an application is submitted to the FDA.
Personal Information and Requirements
We recommend that everyone be prepared to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is appropriate and available to them, but getting vaccinated is voluntary.
While the State is expected to report aggregate data about how many people have been vaccinated, personal and health information will always remain protected.
Providers
Information for COVID-19 vaccination providers can be found on DPH's website.