By Cathy Iino, First Selectman, Killingworth.
The COVID vaccination system seems to be shaping up a bit. Over half a million doses have been administered statewide. People 65 years old and over may now make appointments to get vaccinated. (Although the official start date for people in this group is February 11, many providers have started scheduling appointments for them.)
Thanks to several Killingworth residents for information about local availability.
The Nutmeg Pharmacy in Higganum is taking reservations on line here.
The report is “very organized and friendly.”
The Nutmeg Pharmacy in Centerbrook is also taking reservations, here.
Some people have been able to make appointments through their existing MyChart accounts.
The statewide VAMS system for making appointments has been improved since its rocky start. If you use the VAMS system, look for the nearby Old Saybrook location, run by the Connecticut River Area Health District, or other nearby towns. Those locations do not always appear automatically when you search for locations near Killingworth.
Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224 has been expanded to seven days a week, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Several residents have been able to get through with relatively short wait times. You can leave your number for a callback, but you may get though more quickly if you just stay on hold. You can now make appointments by phone for Middletown as well as several other locations.
CVS Pharmacies, including the Guilford and Middletown branches, will be scheduling vaccinations beginning Wednesday, February 10th. Appointments can be made at cvs.com or by calling CVS at 800-746-7287 or 888-300-4419.
Free taxi to vaccination appointment. Free, accessible taxi rides to and from vaccination sites are available to Killingworth residents 7 days per week, courtesy of the Estuary Transit District.
The trip must begin in Clinton, Chester, Deep River, Essex, East Haddam, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Madison, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, or Westbrook. You must travel to the nearest available vaccination or testing site, in or outside the service area.
The vehicle will provide wait and return service, and can be used for drive-through sites. A wheelchair accessible vehicle will be provided upon request. Up to three (3) companions, including a Personal Care Attendant, may ride for free with the eligible rider. The eligible rider and companions must have the same origin and destination.
Book a trip by calling the taxi provider, Curtin Transportation, at 860-443-1655 between 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, at least one day in advance.
All riders are required to wear a mask. The vehicles are equipped with front to back protection barriers. After each ride, the vehicle is wiped down with disinfectant wipes.
If you are over 75, it’s not too late to schedule an appointment! Killingworth has passed 250 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID. The risks are still real.
Please call the Killingworth Town Hall COVID-19 vaccine information line at 860-663-1765, x220 with any questions or for assistance in making an appointment. Our Health Department will return calls; please be sure to say your phone number clearly.
