HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont and other officials assured the public Thursday afternoon that they would be able to get access to vaccines for COVID-19 if they wish, despite confusion coming from the federal government regarding vaccine access.
“Don’t hesitate, vaccinate,” was the message from Lamont as he was joined by the leadership of Charter Oak Health Center, where the event was held. He was also joined by commissioners from the state Department of Public Health (DPH), the state Department of Insurance (DOI) and the state Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).
On Wednesday, Lamont issued a series of executive actions to protect COVID-19 vaccine access in the state. These include issuing interim guidance that children over the age of 6 months, as well as adults of all ages, receive the vaccine.
The FDA recently released updated guidelines for who can receive the COVID-19 vaccination, limiting its recommendations to adults ages 19-65 with at least one major risk factor for serious COVID infection, and for adults over the age of 65. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also issued a contradictory statement in which he says that the COVID vaccine will be available to anyone who wants it.
The American Medical Association has argued that the FDA’s guidelines, combined with the potential for more limited recommendations coming from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in an upcoming meeting, will make it more difficult for many Americans to obtain COVID vaccinations.
At Charter Oak Health Center, DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani stressed that anyone in the state who wants the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to get one.
“What we have done, as we’ve seen changes coming out from federal guidance, is make clear what the recommendations are for people here in Connecticut,” she said.
“For COVID vaccines in particular, our most vulnerable groups certainly are people who are 65 and older. There is no doubt that if you’re an older adult, you absolutely benefit from getting a COVID-19 shot. For those adults who are 19 to 65, we want to be clear that you can get a shot in the state of Connecticut.”
DOI Commissioner Andrew N. Mais said there will be no change in cost-sharing from insurance companies through 2026, despite potential limiting recommendations nationally, as long as professional medical groups continue to recommend the vaccine.
For pharmacies and other vaccine providers, DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said that in the absence of federal 2025-26 COVID vaccine administration instructions, the department recommends that the pharmacies utilize the 2024-25 vaccine administration instructions by the CDC. This will allow pharmacists to continue to administer all FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines to any patient 18 years of age or older.
“In short, our guidance maintains the public expectation of access to safe and effective vaccines at their pharmacies,” he said. “This guidance creates clarity, consistency for pharmacies and pharmacists across Connecticut, as well as patients in the absence of federal clarity.”
The Connecticut Hospital Association applauded the governor’s executive actions.
“These efforts are critical in supporting patients and protecting communities across the state,” the association said in a statement. “As we enter respiratory virus season, individuals are encouraged to protect themselves and their families from preventable infections. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have to reduce illness and safeguard public health.”
State Sen. Dr. Saud Anwar, D-South Windsor, a doctor and co-chair of the Public Health Committee, said that while he is encouraged by the governor’s actions, they may not be enough due to changes on the ACIP committee that has seen its members replaced by vaccine skeptics.
“Should [the ACIP] changes be significant, further restrict access to vaccines and ignore medical science and literature, I would urge the Governor to declare an emergency to broaden vaccine access to all state residents and ensure those seeking them can receive them,” he said. “As respiratory virus season will soon begin in Connecticut, I encourage members of the public to receive flu and COVID shots this autumn and to discuss any questions they have with trusted medical professionals.”