Seniors, Healthcare Workers Likely to Receive Vaccine First

A draft state distribution plan submitted Friday to the U.S. government declares that older and medically at-risk residents, in addition to healthcare workers and other essential employees, will likely receive the first doses of an anticipated COVID-19 vaccine in Connecticut and possibly elsewhere, reports the Associated Press . "We've done this really with limited information about the actual vaccine itself and the requirements and populations," acknowledged Deidre Gifford, Connecticut's acting public health director. "So we are doing our best to prepare but also knowing that we need to remain flexible and adapt as we get further information." The first phase of the draft plan will likely involve hospitals, local health departments and districts, pharmacies, and clinics that prioritize vaccinations for certain groups. The plan also suggests off-site vaccination clinics and perhaps mobile clinics for other essential staff, people with a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, and long-term care community residents. The second and third phases are expected to involve vaccinating the general public, when a greater anticipated supply of the vaccine is available.