With Connecticut in Phase 1b of the statewide rollout plan for the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s important to stay informed about when you can get vaccinated. Take a look at some helpful questions and answers below that we’ve shared from the State of Connecticut website. And for the latest information and announcements, please visit Connecticut’s official COVID-19 portal at: portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccinations.
When will I be able to receive a COVID-19 Vaccine?
Information about eligibility and timeline can be found at ct.gov/covidvaccine/access.
Can I support my parents, grandparents, neighbors or others who need help scheduling online in finding an appointment?
Yes, you can. Each person signing up through the VAMS system requires their own, distinct email address, and that is likely true for other scheduling systems as well. So, you may need to provide support in creating an email in addition to helping with scheduling.
Where do I go for a vaccination?
When you are eligible for a vaccination, you will most likely work through your medical provider, or the employer coordinator at your workplace to learn about the specifics of your eligibility requirements. Vaccines will be able to be administered in a wide range of places: physician’s offices, hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers, and other locations that would normally administer vaccinations
How do we know the vaccines are safe?
The Pfizer vaccine alone had a trial of over 40,000 people over a period of many months without any serious incidents. No vaccines will be available to the public without the review of the federal government and the Science Subcommittee of Governor Lamont’s Vaccine Advisory Group. In Connecticut, we continue to make every decision with public health as a number one priority.
Once I’m vaccinated, can I stop wearing a mask and social distancing?
No. Not everyone you come into contact with will have received the vaccine, and you may still be able to spread COVID-19. It is critical to follow basic public health best practices for the foreseeable future.
Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?
No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use or in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. However, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick.
Can I be charged for the COVID-19 vaccine?
No. Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the shot to someone. Insurance plans, medical facilities and other providers cannot charge recipients of the vaccine for the administration fee. The administration fee for the vaccine in the first year is being covered by original Medicare regardless of a beneficiary having an Advantage Plan. So beneficiaries should show their original Medicare card when getting the vaccine.
Please note: We are publishing these FAQs to provide general information. Please visit the State of Connecticut COVID-19 portal for the latest information and updates.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit:
Connecticut COVID-19 Response
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
