Sen. Lopes Provides Residents Vaccination Information

State Senator Rick Lopes (D-6) is spreading the word about sign-ups for residents 65 and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Starting this week,” Sen. Lopes said in a recent message to constituents, “Connecticut residents who are 65 years and above can sign up for an appointment to receive a vaccine for COVID-19.”

“I know from talking with many community members that this development has been anxiously awaited and I join you in welcoming it,” Sen. Lopes added, saying his message is to share with residents, “some of the available avenues for scheduling an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Sen. Lopes encourages people to visit the website, ct.gov/covidvaccine, “To learn more about the state’s rollout plan for the COVID-19 vaccine.”

That website, the state’s “COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut” website, as of February 9, 2021, said that, “Connecticut is currently in Phase 1b of our statewide rollout plan.” The website says that, “Scheduling now,” is for, “Individuals 75 and older,” and that, “Scheduling starting February 11th,” begins for, “Individuals between the ages of 65 and 74.”

“The state’s Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) remains open for appointment registrations,” said Sen. Lopes. The VAMS website, at dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine, says that,

This form is optional and is only for Requesting enrollment with the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). The CT Department of Public Health will identify which phase you meet for vaccine rollout. Once you meet the current phase, then you will receive an email from VAMS to complete your registration and schedule an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination.

You do not need to register with VAMS if you have other options for getting the vaccine.

Sen. Lopes referred residents who would like, “resources in Spanish that may be of assistance,” in, “navigating VAMS,” to information including,

• Step-by-step guide to creating an account and scheduling first appointment – Click to View
• VAMS navigation tips – Click to View

Sen. Lopes noted that vaccination appointments can also be set up by phone at, “Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224.” Cautioning that there may be wait times due to, “potential high call volume,” Sen. Lopes noted that the call line is to be available seven days a week, from 8:00am to 8:00pm.

Sen. Lopes noted a website provided by Hartford HealthCare, “on scheduling appointments, eligibility, and compiling informative resources on COVID-19,” and also referred people to information from Gov. Ned Lamont (D-CT), “on other health providers across the state that are scheduling vaccination appointments.”

Noting that the list of options he provided is not exhaustive, Sen. Lopes encouraged people, “to visit your local health department or health district website for additional updates on availability and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.”