Nuvance Health urges patience in regard to vaccine access

SHARON — Nuvance Health, a nonprofit health system in western Connecticut (and parts of New York state), announces it is prepared to offer COVID-19 vaccines to its patients based on federal and state distribution phases and supply of vaccines. But at this time, only residents of Connecticut who are in Phase 1a (health care personnel) and 1b (people 75 and older) are eligible for a vaccine.

Nuvance Health is not scheduling appointments or creating wait lists for those who are not eligible. It will let patients know when it is able to offer vaccines to them. “Please help us by not contacting our hospitals or medical practices to ask about vaccines,” the Nuvance Health announcement said.

The state’s website offers details on the phases at https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/ COVID-19-Vaccination---Phases.

Those between 65 and 74 are “likely” to become eligible in February, according to the site.

Nuvance Health’s announcement said to determine if one is eligible for a vaccine, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine/access and then follow the steps to schedule an appointment. Nuvance Health is using the CDC system the state of Connecticut selected for vaccine management called Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). An appointment cannot be scheduled directly at Nuvance Health. Nuvance Health locations will be listed in VAMS and available for those who schedule an appointment. The Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, 1-877-918-2224, is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“We care deeply about our patients and communities and know based on the science that vaccines can help end this pandemic,” the announcement said. “We intend to get vaccines to everyone who wants them as quickly as possible. However, vaccines are in very limited supply, according to federal government allotments to each state. Whether you are eligible now or not, please be patient and flexible as we all navigate the complexities of vaccines allocation and distribution.”

Individuals can also visit www.nuvancehealth.org/coronavirus/vaccine for the latest information about vaccines at Nuvance Health.