Town of Redding
Health Department
P.O. Box 1028
Redding Center, CT 06875
Tel: 203-938-2559 Fax: 203-938-8816
The Vaccine
Getting the vaccine is the topic that’s front and center and all states in the country seem to be distributing vaccine differently. Connecticut is using a phased priority system. Vaccine scheduling is currently only available for frontline healthcare workers, medical first responders, residents and staff of long term care facilities (group 1a), and those aged 75 and older (from group 1b). This is the directive from Dr. Gifford, acting Commissioner of Health of the CT Department of Public Health, until further notice.
Redding has a list of those who pre-registered into the Redding data base https://townofreddingct.org/government/services/health-department/covid-19-vaccine-pre-registration/ and a list provided by the Human Services Department of those who do not have internet service.
Redding is partnered with Bethel and the first clinics will be serving both towns at the Bethel clinic site located at the Bethel Track and Field Center behind the High School. The Health Department is in the process of systematically calling residents to set up appointments for those in the 75+ group for the Bethel clinics.
Supply
The operation of clinics is dependent on ordered vaccine being delivered. Vaccine supply is largely out of our control. This means that calls to residents to set up appointments might come just 2 days before the clinic to assure supply is in hand. Several clinics around the state scheduled too far in advance and found they had to cancel because they did not receive their promised vaccine shipment.
Redding Clinics
Redding is training and vaccinating volunteers to safely operate local clinics at the Redding Community Center. Scheduling for these clinics will start in mid-February.
Other Vaccination Options
Anyone 75+ can attend any open COVID clinic that allows you to do so. It is not required to attend clinic in your home town.
Online: A form can be accessed online for those age 75+ at https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine that allows individuals to schedule an appointment through the web-based Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). Those signing up must have an email address. The State website states: “Due to high traffic volume at websites and phone lines, eligible residents may encounter delays scheduling appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointment availability is limited but time sots will continue to open up as they become available.
Telephone: Those 75+ who do not have access to technology can call the Connecticut COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance line at 877-918-2224.
Walgreens: Locations in Torrington, Litchfield, Thomaston, and Watertown are offering vaccine to those 75+. Go to Walgreens.com and sign in or create a Walgreens account, complete the screening, and choose a location.
Beware of Scammers
It is likely that scammers will take advantage of the situation and try to extract personal information such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, etc. from vulnerable individuals. Please be aware that these vaccines are being administered free of charge.
Doug Hartline, RS
Health Officer
Dr. Lawrence Leibowitz
Director of Health
