Connecticut is one of America’s top states for vaccination rates.
Still, snagging an appointment is not easy. The website is tough to manage. Phone lines are overwhelmed.
It’s especially difficult for older residents, and those either technologically challenged or without access to technology.
Fortunately, many folks help.
Children — grown and teenagers — have gotten up early, stayed up late, and spent hours refreshing sites, then going through the many steps to secure a slot for their parents.
Neighbors have done the same. So have strangers, connected by a variety of organizations and Facebook groups.
Hartford Healthcare’s Keith Grant was among the first in Connecticut to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Governor Ned Lamont looked on.
I’ve heard several stories of Westporters who have gone far out of their way to assist others.
They do it to help ease the pandemic for us all.
And they do it because it’s the right thing to do.
Which is why anyone who has helped anyone access the vaccine is this week’s Unsung Hero.
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net.)
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Vaccination appointments can be made utilizing the following tools:
- The Vaccine Administration Management System can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the state. Click here.
- Call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week: 877-918-2224.
- Hartford HealthCare: Multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the Hartford area. Click here.
- Yale New Haven Health: Multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. Click here.
- Stamford Health: 7 days a week at Stamford Hospital. Click here.
- Walgreens: Various locations. Click here.
- CVS: Various locations. Click here.
- Walmart: Various locations. Click here.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
I did find the VAMS website daunting (I’m a web developer) and in need of First Aid – but once I got past that hurdle, I must say that Connecticut’s logistics around confirming appointments and getting to locations for the actual shot(s) was truly impressive. Shot #2 was yesterday and it was as well managed as Shot #1 22 days ago.
In my case, several troops of National Guards were on duty. They were amazingly well organized, from the clear, coned traffic lanes, to signage, roof signs for cars, iPads using QR codes – and all with a smile and a positive attitude – on a truly frigid day. They also all looked to me like they were in junior high school, in their big puffy uniforms, but that’s a perpetual hazard when one reaches a certain age. But they had it together.
The Guard medical personnel were topnotch, too. I’m usually critical (a pain, actually) when it comes to badly organized systems (its partly what I do), but I also have to acknowledge and give thanks when I see it done well. And Connecticut – at least the locations I experienced – is doing it very well indeed. Made me grateful and proud.
After spending time on the websites, and dreading being put on hold for hours. I called the Stamford Hospital number. I got right through and got my questions answered and confirmed my appt. My wife had a very similar positive experience over the phone.
The experience of getting the shot there was very positive. Best wishes
Someone told me there’s a bug on the VAMS website. There’s a workaround: remove your insurance info (or leave it blank if you haven’t registered) and, after refreshing your browser, appointments will become available. That was over a week ago.
I registered with VAMS, but could not get an appointment through them. I finally got an appointment at St. Vincent through Hartford Health. But St. V. stopped giving the shots on March 1. So I had to find another location. Every local clinic that I contacted gave Moderna, but my first shot was Pfizer. Finally, a friend living in Stamford got me an appointment at Stamford Hospital. I got my second shot this past Monday.
I found both hospitals to be very efficient; their staffs were friendly and helpful. But I don’t understand why St. Vincent stopped giving the shots in the middle of the pandemic.
I’VE HEARD THAT GETTING A VACCINE AT WALGREENS IS RELATIVELY EASY HOPE THIS HELPS YOU