Connecticut residents can continue to receive COVID-19 vaccinations under recent executive actions by Gov. Ned Lamont as of Sept. 10.
“As uncertainty in Washington continues, our administration is doing everything we can to ensure the residents of Connecticut have access to the health care they need to stay safe,” Lamont said in a press release.
This comes in response to the updated restrictions on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility as released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to an article by CT Mirror.
The agency limited the vaccine to those who are 65 years or older, allowing those with health issues to also access the vaccine, as reported by NPR.
The vaccine was previously available to anyone six months of age or older, regardless of their health status.
Mansfield officials have emphasized that vaccines are available for residents.
“As the local health department, [we] continue to urge individuals to seek out their seasonal vaccines, not just COVID-19, but also influenza and the other vaccines that they may be eligible for,” said Robert Miller, the director of health for the Eastern Highlands Health District.
Miller’s district covers the Connecticut towns of Andover, Ashford, Bolton, Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Mansfield, Scotland, Tolland and Willington.
“Vaccines continue to be one of the most effective ways to prevent morbidity and mortality in the population, reduce hospitalizations, reduce days of sickness and improve the overall health of the population,” Miller said.
With these protections, insurance coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine and other immunizations remain mandatory under the Connecticut insurance law, according to a bulletin linked in the press release.
Insurance coverage for vaccines has no cost if they are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. However, regardless of the ACIP’s approval of the COVID-19 vaccine, statewide insurance policies will not change, as stated in the bulletin.
Miller was “very heartened and happy” to see Lamont take this action to protect vaccine accessibly in the state.
“We learned through a pandemic a number of years ago, individuals receiving the vaccine protect themselves, but also the people around them, especially those who are most at risk, like elderly parents or relatives who may be immunocompromised,” Miller said.
State healthcare providers and pharmacies will be administering this vaccine following the governor’s actions to protect its availability for residents.
“We do encourage residents who can, please seek out their vaccines for the season,” Miller said.
Residents interested in receiving vaccines this fall can view the schedule of seasonal vaccine clinics at www.ehhd.org. The website provides information about which vaccines are available at each clinic as they may differ from one clinic to the next, according to Miller.