State’s largest COVID-19 vaccine collection clinic opens in East Hartford today – NBC Connecticut

The state’s largest COVID-19 vaccine drive-thru clinic opened in East Hartford on Monday.

The old Pratt & Whitney track on Runway Road has been converted to a 10-lane mass vaccination clinic. There are several large signs telling drivers how to get back there from Silver Lane.

The Pfizer vaccine will be administered there by the community health center.

Those 75 and over can now register for a COVID-19 vaccine in Connecticut. State officials say Phase 1B will eventually be expanded to include people 65 and older, but it will take time to get enough doses.

Vaccines will be available by appointment only to those under phases 1a and 1b, which include health workers, first responders and people over 75 years of age.

From Monday, people aged 75 and over with an appointment will be able to be vaccinated.

“The State of Connecticut has promised to continue to make sure we have enough supply here. I think we are all concerned about the national offer. With the new Biden administration, I think they’re going to work really hard to make sure there are adequate supplies there. There will be bumps in the road. Our job is to communicate clearly with Connecticut residents about vaccine availability, ”said Mark Masselli, president and CEO of the Community Health Center.

NBC Connecticut

People aged 75 and over who have an email address and the ability to book an appointment online can book an appointment through the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) online.

They can also call 877-918-2224 to make an appointment. State officials are asking that only people aged 75 and over call the number because they expect high call volume.

It’s been nearly a month since COVID-19 vaccinations started here in Connecticut and as the state works to get more people vaccinated, there is also an effort to build confidence in vaccines. .

The drive-through clinic will be open from January 18 to 22 for the first week of operation. Starting the following week, the clinic will be open seven days a week, by appointment only.