COVID-19: What You Need to Know to Support Older Adults

Older Adults and individuals who have chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes those with heart disease, diabetes or lung disease.

COVID Vaccination Roll Out

As of April 1, CT residents, workers and students who are age 16 and older are now eligible to schedule their vaccine appointment. There are several scheduling options available to you:

1. Vaccine Adminsitration Management System (VAMS) There are many providers who are accessible through VAMS, including:
Trinity Health of New England (hospitals and other locations)
Griffin Hospital
Nuvance Health
Stamford Hospital
Bristol Hospital
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital
Midstate Medical Center
Meriden Health Clinic
Local Health Departments
Federally Qualified Health Centers

2. Schedule Directly Through a Particpating Healthcare Provider or Pharmacy Location

There are numerous healthcare providers across the State currently offering direct scheduling. All available locations do require pre-scheduling and registration – there are no walk-ins allowed at this time.

Community Health Center, Inc.
CVS: Several locations across the state
Hartford Healthcare: Several locations across the state
Saint Francis Hospital/Trinity Health
Stamford Health: Clinic location at Stamford Hospital, CT 
Stop & Shop: Several locations across the state
UConn Health: Clinic location in Farmington, CT 
 
Walgreens: Several locations across the state
Walmart: Several locations across the state
Waterbury Health
Yale New Haven Health: Several locations across the state
 

3. COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: 877.918.2224
Monday - Sunday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Refer to the State of Connecticut Website for more information.

 

Caregiver and Family Member Tips:

• Ensure there is an updated list of prescription medications readily available and that there is an extra supply, up to 90 days. Also, double-check the supply of any necessary over-the-counter medications.
• Monitor medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed.
• Develop emergency preparedness plans for unexpected situations such as falls, injuries, etc.
• Ensure access to necessities such as food, water, household supplies. Prepare food delivery options with possible help from family, neighbors, or other community resources.
• Check with your healthcare provider for alternate appointment options such as video chats or other telehealth options.
• Minimize contact with others through social distancing (the practice of reducing close contact between people to slow the spread of infections or diseases).
• Alleviate loneliness and isolation by maintaining frequent contact with older adults through phone calls, video chatting, texting or email.

 

Additional Resources

Recognizing this is an ever changing situation, stay informed by checking these official sites for updated information. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider to seek treatment.

State of Connecticut
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization (WHO)
Social Distancing Guidelines