COVID-19 Vaccine at RVNAhealth, Community Testing on Saturday

COVID-19 Vaccines Available at RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth is an official COVID-19 vaccine provider in the State of CT, approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and authorized within the CDC’s Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). RVNAhealth is administering COVID-19 Vaccines in accordance with the phased vaccination approach outlined by the CT DPH.

As of early January 2021, Connecticut is in Phase 1A of vaccine roll-out. Phase 1A  includes all healthcare personnel, long-term care facility residents and medical first responders.

This web page will be updated as additional Phases become eligible to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut.  (Last updated: January 11, 2021)

Phase 1A Eligible Vaccine Recipients

Registration and appointments: Individuals who are part of the State of CT Phase 1A population must pre-register and make an appointment on the VAMS portal to receive the vaccine at RVNAhealth. Appointments may not be scheduled directly with RVNAhealth.  

Your RVNAhealth COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

RVNAhealth COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments consist of 4 primary steps:

  • Arrival: Please park in the RVNAhealth parking lot at 27 Governor Street in Ridgefield, CT and follow the signs to enter through the side lobby door. All visitors must wear a mask to enter and your temperature will be taken. Please note: Individuals with high temperatures will not be permitted to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 
  • Check In and Registration: Phase 1A individuals must pre-register in the VAMS system. RVNAhealth will confirm your VAMS registration, and you will answer a series of questions. If you are not registered in the VAMS system, you will not be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  Please note: Individuals who have received another vaccine within the past 14 days will not be permitted to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 
  • Nurse’s Station and Vaccination: All vaccinations are administered by RVNAhealth nurses. Prior to receiving your COVID-19 vaccination, you will review the pre-vaccine checklist and learn what to expect following vaccination.  You will receive your vaccine in your arm. 
  • Monitoring:  Following vaccination, you will remain at RVNAhealth for 15 to 30 minutes while being monitored for any  reactions. This is mandatory. While waiting, you may make your appointment for your second COVID-19 vaccine dose. 

SAFETY REMINDERS

RVNAhealth follows strict infection control and hygiene practices and has extensive cleaning measures of all equipment and facilities. All treatment rooms have a newly-installed filtration system to ensure absolute safety. Rooms are cleaned before, after, and between appointments with medical-grade solutions. The RVNAhealth building and organization has been operating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and have been successful in maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment.

PAYMENT/INSURANCE

Please bring your insurance information with you at the time of your appointment. If you are uninsured or do not have a participating insurance plan, COVID-19 vaccines will be offered free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VAMS?

VAMS is the CDC’s secure, online tool where individuals can answer COVID-19 vaccine eligibility screening questions, make a vaccine appointment, get a reminder to return for a second dose and receive a vaccine certificate. To learn about creating your account and scheduling an appointment, visit the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions about VAMS.

Which COVID-19 vaccine will I receive?

RVNAhealth currently administers the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals cannot choose which vaccine they will receive. Please note that the Pfizer vaccine is available to individuals 16 years and older. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is available to individuals 18 years and older. 

Can I be placed on a wait list to receive the vaccine?

Not presently. Appointments are only available online for individuals who are eligible for and ready to accept the vaccine in the current phase.

How safe are COVID-19 vaccines?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for the Pfizer -BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Both vaccines which have been shown to be safe and effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials. For the most up-to-date guidance, visit the CDC vaccine safety page.

What can I expect after the COVID-19 vaccine?

You may experience some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection against COVID-19. Learn more in this CDC video.

RVNAhealth will continue to provide COVID-19 Vaccine Updates via website, social media, e-newsletters, and local media as new information become available.

For additional questions,  please call RVNAhealth at (203) 438-5555 or contact us ››


 

COVID-19 Testing Now Available at RVNAhealth 

Beginning  January 16, 2021, RVNAhealth offers COVID-19 testing by appointment to the public. Tests are administered by RVNAhealth nurses, and are available at RVNAhealth (Ridgefield location) or at your home.

Beginning  January 16, 2021, RVNAhealth offers COVID-19 testing by appointment to the public. Tests are administered by RVNAhealth nurses, and are available at RVNAhealth (Ridgefield location) or at your home.

Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A separate appointment must be made for each individual who receives a test. Individuals must remain in their vehicles until asked to enter the RVNAhealth building; masks are required. RVNAhealth offers tests to both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Individuals with symptoms or a believed exposure are tested externally — in the RVNAhealth parking lot.  

RVNAhealth offers both PCR (oral swab) and Rapid (nasal) tests. Learn about both tests below, as well as RVNAhealth safety protocols and payment.

OPTION 1:

At RVNAhealth by Appointment

27 Governor Street, Ridgefield CT
Appointments may be made for the following times.  Appointments may be made up to two weeks in advance. 

  • Thursdays, 1:00pm – 6:00pm (beginning January 19, 2021)
  • Saturdays, 11:00am – 2:30pm (beginning January 16, 2021)

If you encounter problems scheduling online, please call our office at 203-438-5555.

Masks are required to enter the RVNAhealth building. Upon arrival, please park in the designated “Vaccine Parking “spots in the RVNAhealth lot and call the phone number on the sign to check in.  Remain in your vehicle and answer screening questions over the phone until instructed to enter the building.

 

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Submitted by Westport, CT

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