Ready for your COVID-19 vaccination?

Here’s what to expect here in Connecticut

COVID-19 vaccinations began in the state on Dec. 14. Though supplies of the vaccine are expected to increase over time, they are initially limited and therefore the rollout of the vaccine is organized in phases — 1a, 1b, 1c and 2 — with states setting their own criteria for who can get the vaccine at each phase.

Here’s a breakdown of Connecticut’s current phases, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Also included are explanations and answers provided by Hartford HealthCare to frequently asked questions about distribution and its safety.

Phase 1a

The vaccine rollout began with

Phase 1a, and all who are designated as 1a can make an appointment to get their vaccines now or at any time in the future.

“Beginning with healthcare personnel is an obvious first step,” says Keith Grant, APRN, senior system director of infection prevention for Hartford HealthCare. “Not only does this give us an opportunity to protect them, but also to build a system from within to facilitate the vaccination of 40,000 colleagues before having a responsibility to 3.5 million Connecticut citizens.”

Eligible 1a citizens include: • Healthcare personnel. All paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. Phase 1a does not include healthcare personnel that

Geri Turner, 76, from Hebron, gets her COVID-19 vaccination from Hartford HealthCare at the CT Convention Center on Wednesday, Jan. 13, when it is first available to her.