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

The State of Connecticut is currently in PHASE 1B of its statewide vaccination rollout plan for individuals 75 and older. If you have already heard from your medical provider about receiving the vaccine, you do not need to do anything else. If you have not, thre are several scheduling options are available to you:

1. Vaccine Adminsitration Management System (VAMS)

2. Schedule Directly Through a Particpating Healthcare Provider

There are over 100 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.

UConn Health: Clinic locations in Farmington, CT 
Hartford Healthcare: Several locations across the state
Yale New Haven Health: Several locations across the state
Walgreens: Several locations across the state

3. COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: 877.918.2224
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Refer to the State of Connecticut Website for more information. Click Here.

 

Caregiver & 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