The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for many people, causing a disruption to many lives and sadly claiming more than 2.1 million lives worldwide and over 419,000 in the United States as of Jan 25, 2021. With the recent emergency use authorization of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines on December 11th and 18th of 2020 respectively, many people are eager to get vaccinated to protect themselves and to help stop the spread of this deadly disease. Vaccine supply has been in limited doses with the early roll-out in late December, although 2021 will see a substantial increase in vaccine supply with a goal for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated as soon as quantities are available.
The COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut is now in phase 1b, with vaccinations being phased in for various groups. The phases of vaccine roll-out include:
Phase 1a: included vaccines for healthcare personnel, medical first responders and long-term care facility residents.
Phase 1b:
Now scheduling vaccines for those:
- 75 and older
- Residents and staff of select congregate settings: includes correctional and mental health facilities, halfway homes, domestic violence and homeless shelters, etc. These facilities are coordinate through State and local health. Congregate settings does not include apartments, boarding schools or college dorms.
Planning for February people between the age of 65 and 74,
people with underlying health conditions which puts them at an increased risk for severe illness *this is continually evolving, you can learn more from the CDC, People with Certain Medical Conditions.
Planning for March all frontline essential workers who face work-related exposure to COVID-19 during the course of work-related duties, on-site or within 6 ft. proximity to the public and/or to coworkers:
- First responders
- Healthcare personnel not included in Phase 1a
- U.S. Postal Service workers
- Public transit workers
- Food service personnel and restaurants
- Agricultural and farmworkers
- Grocery store and pharmacy employees
- Manufacturing employees
- Education and child-care workers
- Food bank and meal delivery for the elderly service workers
- Solid waste and wastewater workers
- Frontline public and social service employees
- Inspectors on-site in any of the above locations
If you fall into one of these categories, please be patient as you should be hearing from your employer as soon as possible to schedule your vaccine. Employers can find information on scheduling vaccinations for their employees here, and independent contractors can find more information here.
News from Waterbury Hospital
At 
Waterbury Hospital, we feel it is so important for people to understand the importance of getting vaccinated and to understand the safety of the vaccine.The first vaccines approved for COVID-19 are mRNA vaccines, which do not contain a ‘live virus’ and do not carry a risk of causing disease in the vaccinated person. These vaccines have been rigorously tested for safety prior to authorization for use in the U.S.
Watch this video from our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Justin Lundbye as he hosts a COVID-19 vaccine information session with the latest information from the CDC and a question and answer session.
Greater Waterbury Imaging Center puts the health and safety of our staff and patients as our number one priority. We understand that it is more important than ever to make sure that all patients walking through our door feel safe and reassured. Read our COVID-19 safety policy here, and contact us for all your MR imaging needs.
Greater Waterbury Imaging Center cares about your health and wellness and encourages you to get vaccinated as soon as available. Remember to keep social distancing and wearing your mask as not everyone will be vaccinated at the same time and you could still carry and pass on the virus. Contact us for all your MR imaging needs.