Corona Virus Update

 From Connecticut DPH

Key messages & updates
• As of Sunday night 3/14/21
, 1,379,497 doses of vaccine had been administered, including
918,741 first doses.
• 40% of individuals between 55-64 have received at least one dose of vaccine while
over 70% of individuals between 65-74 have received at least one dose of vaccine.
• With the 55-64 age cohort approaching 50% with a first dose of vaccine and increasing
supplies of vaccine from the federal government, Connecticut will open up vaccine scheduling to individuals 45 years of age and older starting on Friday, March 19th, several days ahead of schedule.
• In addition, the final two age groups, 35-44 and 16-34, will be combined into one group, with scheduling anticipated to start for the 16+ group on April 5th. This means
vaccine will be available to all Connecticut residents over the age of 16 about a month earlier than previously estimated.
• DPH will work with providers and the Department of Developmental Services
to prioritize vaccine access for the most medically high-risk individuals under 45 during the month of April.
• CT has three effective vaccines available. DPH does not recommend shopping around for a vaccine brand, which could cause delays in getting vaccinated. The best shot for people to get is the one that is available to them.
• All three vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID. The vaccines also have comparable safety profiles.
• The J&J vaccine has the added benefit in that it is a single shot.
• Side effects from the J&J vaccine are similar to those reported for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines: pain at injection site, fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea,
fatigue.
• While not experienced by everyone, side effects for all three vaccines are a normal sign
that the body is building protections against the COVID-19 virus
• It remains important for everyone, even those who are fully vaccinated, to continue to
wear masks, social distance, practice good hand hygiene, stay home when sick, and get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19.