By Richard Kaufman
Greenwich is prepared for the next part of phase 1b in the state’s vaccination rollout plan, as residents aged 65 and over can make appointments for shots beginning Feb. 11.
The community-run clinics and the Yale New Haven Health sites in town have been running smoothly since they began last month, according to Selectperson Lauren Rabin and Greenwich Hospital President Diane Kelly. Rabin, who filled in for First Selectman Fred Camillo during Wednesday’s weekly COVID-19 briefing, said that 55.1% of Greenwich’s population over the age of 75 have received at least one dose. Currently if people cannot make their appointment, the town is calling other residents who have time slots on different days so doses aren’t wasted, Rabin noted.
“The health department is working very diligently and getting prepared for the additional residents that are going to be eligible for the vaccine [beginning Thursday],” Rabin said.
Vaccine supplies have been limited, but Kelly expressed some hope that more doses could be on their way to Connecticut from the federal government.
“We are prepared to increase the amount of people we can see. Whenever we have the vaccine, we are giving the vaccine,” Kelly said, noting that all doses are being used. “I’m very happy with the processes.”
Kelly added that it has been “quite humbling and a great honor” to vaccinate people and protect them from a virus that has ravaged the country for about a year now. Connecticut has remained in the top four states in the nation for vaccine distribution.
“I’m thrilled and honored that Connecticut is near the top [of the list] on their [vaccination] processes, because we’ve been very mindful and intentional about how we are setting these processes up. You have to remember that when we give someone their first vaccine, they are entrusting us to give them that second dose. That requires being thoughtful, that requires having a diligent plan, and not succumbing to pressures to leave that plan,” Kelly said. “We know we have the long game in view. By having very specific processes, we’re able to not waste a very, very precious commodity. When we have the vaccine, we’re going to get that in someone’s arm.”
Eligible residents must make appointments ahead of time in order to receive the vaccine at any open clinic in the state. To find available vaccination clinics throughout the state, residents can visit ct.gov/covidvaccine and enter their zip code.
Appointments can be made utilizing the following tools:
- VAMS online system: VAMS is the Vaccine Administration Management System and can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the state. The clinic at Greenwich Town Hall utilizes this system. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
- Call Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment assist line is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. To make an appointment, call 877-918-2224.
- Hartford HealthCare: Hartford HealthCare has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the Hartford area. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
- Yale New Haven Health: Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. In Greenwich, there is a YNHH clinic at 500 W. Putnam Ave., and Brunswick School. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
- Stamford Health: Stamford Health is operating a clinic seven days per week at Stamford Hospital. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
- Walgreens: Walgreens is currently offering the vaccine at 12 different locations and will soon be adding many more across the state. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
- CVS: CVS is currently offering the vaccine in four locations (Colchester, Putnam, Waterford, and Windsor Locks) and will be expanding to 12 more locations in the next week. To make an appointment using this system, click here.
- Walmart: Walmart will be offering the vaccine at seven locations across the state (Hartford, New Haven, North Windham, Norwalk, Torrington, Waterbury, and West Haven). To make an appointment using this system, click here.
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
Updated COVID Numbers
As of Feb. 9, the total number of Greenwich residents who have tested positive since the pandemic began was 3,644, an increase of 244 over last week. Active cases as of Feb. 9 stood at 227, up 52 from last week. The total reported death toll in Greenwich since March increased as well over the last week by one, to 81.
At Greenwich Hospital as of Feb. 10, there were 35 COVID-19 patients being treated in the hospital, up from 22 that was reported on Feb. 3 . Three of the five patients in the Intensive Care Unit on Wednesday were on ventilators.
“This still continues to be a very serious illness that we are all fighting and battling,” Kelly said
Inpatient numbers at Greenwich Hospital have remained within the mid-20’s to 30’s, but numbers across the Yale New Haven Health System have decreased in recent weeks. As of Feb. 10, there were 293 patients being treated across the system’s five hospitals. That number has not been below 300 since November.
“It’s imperative that people remember to use their masks, maintain social distancing and do their hand washing. We are at a little bit of a risk of people letting down their guard, as more of our citizens in the community are getting vaccinated,” Kelly said. “We want to make sure everyone still knows that we have a long way to go as a society and we have to continue those practices. They are what have allowed us to see the lowering of this disease thus far. I’d hate to see us move backwards.”
