Connecticut receives first FEMA mobile vaccination unit in the nation, launched today in Bridgeport

Connecticut is the first state in the nation to receive one of FEMA’s newly created mobile vaccination units, which will help the state in its ongoing efforts to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to people who live within socially vulnerable neighborhoods. The unit consists of two trailers and will be on loan to the state for the next 60 days. It made its national debut today at a pop-up clinic that was held in the parking lot of the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport.

“The partnership with FEMA and the federal government has been exceptional, providing support to our state during this critical time as we continue to move as fast as possible to vaccinate as many residents as we can,” Governor Lamont said. “This first-in-the-nation mobile vaccination unit is a vital tool in our toolbox to reach communities across Connecticut which have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to take every step possible, working with our network of vaccine providers, and with the support of our Congressional delegation to ensure our distribution is equitable and touching every corner of our state.”

Over the next two months, the Lamont administration will deploy the unit to 17 targeted communities that were selected based on the CDC’s social vulnerability index. They include:

• Bridgeport
• Danbury
• East Hartford
• Hartford
• Killingly
• Meriden
• Middletown
• New Britain
• New Haven
• New London
• North Canaan
• Norwalk
• Norwich
• Stamford
• Waterbury
• Windham
• Winsted

Municipal and community partners in these locations are coordinating outreach to high-risk and vulnerable residents to make them aware of the mobile vaccination unit and are assisting with appointment scheduling.

Medical staffing for the unit will be provided by UConn Health, Griffin Health, Hartford HealthCare, and Trinity health of New England. The sites will also be supported for non-clinical staffing by the Connecticut National Guard and municipal partners.

The unit is expected to handle a minimum of 250 people per day. The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be used to enhance efficiency and maximize the number of doses administered through the team.

Connecticut’s vaccination program will open to the final group of adults – all individuals between the ages of 16 and 44 – on Thursday, April 1. Individuals within that age group will be eligible to schedule appointments starting on that date.

Information on Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination program is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine.