SCHEDULING COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
AGES 16+ (MODERNA – AGES 18+)
(4/21/2021)
Connecticut is among the leaders in the nation for getting vaccines out to people. Once again Governor Lamont has moved up the timetable for age eligibility.
As of April 1st, all individuals ages 16 and up are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. (note: Moderna vaccine is only authorized by the FDA for ages 18 and up.)
Hot tips from savvy Baby Boomers:
At YNHH.org (home of Greenwich Hospital’s Brunswick clinic and others), the chances of securing an appointment increase if you sign up for “My Chart” (the electronic medical record). In “My Chart” go to “book an appointment” to look for a vaccine appointment. Book any available appointment even if it is far off into the future. Subsequently, they often send you a message offering to move the appointment to an earlier date as they continuously add more clinics and appointments.
On the YNHH site and/or the phone app, test out your “My Chart” account. If you need help, such as a code to reset your password, call during the business day for technical assistance: 475-246-8041
Check back on the websites with regularity. As vaccine supplies are verified, providers are adding clinics, sometimes very large clinics. One just has to notice it at the right time.
Also, see vaccineangel.com or the Facebook group: New York / Connecticut Vaccine Hunters for late-breaking news and regional tips on finding appointments.
Phoning directly to YNHH or Stamford Health seems to have better results for many than using the self-service option on the websites, which often say there are no appointments. When you’ve got the time to hold on speakerphone, get comfy and hang in there. Many people have found success via phoning in to these numbers:
YNHH: 1-833-275-9644 (7am to 7pm)
Stamford Health: 203-276-7300 (M-F, 9am to 4pm)
A word of caution – Do your best to stay with the same provider for both doses of the 2-dose vaccines. Most large clinics will gladly and easily schedule your return appointment (usually just after you receive your first dose and while you are being observed for reactions).
However, some clinics are not assisting with that second dose appointment, and this can cause some frustration. Many clinics will not give someone a dose 2 vaccine if that person did not receive dose 1 of the vaccine from the same clinic.
As mentioned in previous emails, some clinics require VAMS registration (Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, Wilbur Peck, Town Hall, CHC, Lord & Taylor), and some do not (YNHH, Stamford Health, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart). For details about these clinics and how to schedule appointments there, see my email from last week here.
Additional phone numbers to call for help:
Greenwich Commission on Aging: 203-862-6710
Family Centers: 203-463-2682
Greenwich Health Department – several phone lines: 203-622-7703, 203-622-7842, 203-622-7836, 203-622-7865 or 203-622-7614.
CT COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line (8am to 8pm): 877-918-222