East Hartford COVID Vaccine Communication

East Hartford, CT— In the United States, there is not yet an approved vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although Pfizer and Moderna have announced promising results for their vaccines. While these vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is approved for use. The safety of the COVID-19 vaccine(s) are a top priority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to ensuring that the COVID-19 vaccine(s) that are approved for use are both safe and effective.

While the Town of East Hartford Health Department understands that some people may be concerned about getting vaccinated, the COVID-19 vaccine will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic. Getting vaccinated has many benefits and is one of many steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Protection from COVID-19 is critically important because for some people, it can cause severe illness or death. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body is ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Other steps, like wearing face masks and social distancing, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.

Once the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes or approves the use of COVID-19 vaccine(s), there will likely be limited supply of the vaccine(s) available initially. Some groups may be recommended to get vaccinated first. Exactly who will qualify for the first doses has not been decided, but groups that are at higher risk for infection, or are more vulnerable to the virus, are likely to get priority. This may include health care workers, as well as older adults and those who have underlying health conditions. The State of Connecticut will identify priority groups for early vaccination based on recommendations from the CDC, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the Governor’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group. The Town of East Hartford is committed to ensuring equitable access to a vaccine once the distribution process is in place and the vaccine is widely available.

The East Hartford Health Department, in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT-DPH) and other local health departments, has been working on COVID-19 vaccine planning for several months and will continue to work towards the objective of delivering a safe and effective vaccine to our residents. We have had an operationalized plan for responding to pandemics for years, and we are tapping into this experience in preparation for the COVID-19 vaccine(s). Our Planning Committee continues to meet weekly in preparation for the distribution, but until a vaccine becomes widely available, please continue to take steps to protect yourself by remembering the 3 W’s:

Wear your mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance (6 feet).

COVID-19 vaccine information will continue to be announced as it becomes available. Please visit www.easthartfordct.gov/covid19updates for COVID-related resources and information. For questions related to vaccine safety and efficacy, please contact the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the CDC website.