We know that you have questions about Governor Lamont’s recent announcement that residents over the age of 65 would be included in 1b rollout.  While SEBAC does not have a role in our member’s vaccine scheduling, we wanted to compile all of the information to help get you the facts. 

Click on the links below to learn more about vaccine distribution, scheduling your vaccine appointment and the recent scams you should be aware of. If you have any questions, there are relevant numbers listed in each section. This is a fluid situation so we advise members to reach out to these contacts as well as their primary care physician for questions. 

Vaccine Distribution – What We Know

Governor Lamont has announced that 1b of Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout will begin on Monday, January 18th and will now include residents in the state that are over the age of 65. If you are in this category, you can start scheduling appointments to receive the vaccine now. WARNING: Spots are filling up quickly.

Here is the estimated breakdown of the 1b cohort:  

• Residents over the age of 75 are estimated to account for about 277,000 individuals; 
• Residents and staff of congregate settings are estimated to account for 50,000 individuals, and;
• Frontline essential workers represent the largest category with an estimated 325,00 individuals. 

How to Make a Vaccine Appointment for Eligible 1b Individuals

The following is from the Governor’s press release on January 14th: 

• Healthcare Provider: Many residents have already been or will be contacted to schedule an appointment by their healthcare provider if their provider is participating in the state’s vaccine program. Not all providers are administering the vaccine. A list of participating providers is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Residents are urged not to contact their physician or healthcare provider directly for COVID vaccine appointments.
• Online: There are a few ways for you to schedule your vaccine appointment online and depending on your preferred provider location, you’ll want to be sure to choose the correct portal. If you are interested in being vaccinated at one of the three big medical institutions (UCONN Health, Hartford Healthcare and Yale New Haven Health), then you will need to register and book an appointment through their individual portals. Note: Each provider requires registration through MyChart or MyChartPLUS. Click on the each provider link for more information:
  • UCONN Health (locations in Farmington, CT)
    • Dedicated scheduling phone number (860) 679-5589
    • Question and Vaccine issues call center (860) 679-8888
    • Click HERE for step-by-step instructions to UCONN Health MyChart and Vaccine Scheduling (required for scheduling an appointment)
  • Hartford Healthcare (several locations throughout state)
    • Dedicated scheduling phone number (860) 827-7690
    • Click HERE to be brought to the MyChartPLUS registration form (required for scheduling an appointment)
  • Yale New Haven Health (several locations throughout state)
    • Click HERE to be brought to the MyChart registration for (required for scheduling an appointment)
    • Once you’ve created your MyChart, schedule your appointment HERE

Other providers that don’t include the list above are using the state’s Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) to schedule vaccine appointments. More information can be accessed online HERE. Note: VAMS providers do not require the MyChart or MyChartPlus required at the above facilities. VAMS is currently scheduling for the following provider locations:

• Trinity Health of New England (hospitals and other locations)
• Griffin Hospital
• Nuvance Health
• Stamford Hospital
• Bristol Hospital
• Local Health Departments
• Federally Qualified Health Centers

• Telephone: Those without internet access can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. The phone system was created in partnership with the Department of Public Health and United Way of Connecticut and is specifically targeted to provide support for eligible vaccine recipients who have limited technology access, or who have language, disability, or other barriers that could prevent them from using existing self-scheduling options successfully. The line will take calls on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer a call-back option when all contact specialists are busy serving other callers. The team will aim to return calls as soon as possible, with the goal of same-day response. Please be patient as scheduling an appointment may take time.

The Second Dose

When you arrive at your appointment for your first vaccine dose, you will be given further information about scheduling for your second dose. Be sure to talk to the facility that provided your first vaccination dose with any questions about the second dose. 

Next Steps

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is an exciting step, but you still must be careful. Even after you get your second vaccination (remember two are required!), you will still need to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and social distance.