First Selctman Jim Marpe urges all Westporters to be vaccinated against COVID-19 “as soon as possible.” However, the timetable for doing so is not yet clear.
He says:
Currently, Westport’s long-term care facility residents and staff, and Emergency Medical Service personnel are eligible for and have been receiving the vaccination per state Department of Health guidelines for Phase 1a of the rollout. This includes personnel and staff from the Westport Weston Health District, school nurses, and Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Departments.
According to Governor Lamont, Phases 1b and 1c are expected to be completed between January and May. The state has not yet finalized who will be eligible for vaccination during these phases.
A nurse prepares an injection of the influenza vaccine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in 2013.
By June, it is anticipated that Connecticut will move into Phase 2, and the vaccine will be provided to the general population. At that point, it is expected that the vaccine will be available through medical providers, CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, and clinics.
Once the criteria for vaccination is met, whether based upon age, health status or employment category, Westporters are encouraged to schedule an appointment for vaccination. We expect that the scheduling processes and technology for the general public will be made available as subsequent vaccination phases are announced.
Although current vaccines do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19, there is a possibility that the virus may be contracted from another source. People may remain asymptomatic and contagious even after vaccination.
As a result, the town will continue observing COVID-19 protocols (wearing a face mask, physical distancing, routine deep sanitization, etc.) until it is deemed safe to discontinue those practices.
For more information oon Connecticut’s vaccination program, click here.
