Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced a change in the state’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout on Monday, settling on an age-based approach for eligibility factors.
Starting March 1, individuals ages 55 to 64 will be eligible for the vaccine as well as K-12 teachers, school staff members and childcare professionals.
Hamden residents have mixed emotions about the announcement, but the majority spoken to along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail beside Sherman Avenue supported the plan in one way or another.
“I’m glad that they’ve expedited teachers in the month of March,” Hamden resident Jean Raccio, 69, said. “Hopefully the vaccine keeps coming in and people can get it sooner.”
There will be dedicated clinics specifically for K-12 educators and childcare workers, according to the state.
“I believe it’s that important to keep our schools open and get them open full time for our kids,” Lamont said during a press conference Monday. “Some kids have lost a lot of education over the course of this year and I want to give them every chance we can to catch up.”
A new age group will become eligible for the vaccine every three weeks, according to Lamont. People ages 45 to 54 will be eligible on March 22, ages 35 to 44 on April 12 and ages 16 to 34 on May 3.
“I think doing it by age is good. I’m eligible now at the end of March, but I’m going to wait until the fall,” John Santarsiero, 53, of Hamden, said. “I had COVID in November, so I figured I’d push myself down the list.”
Connecticut joins Rhode Island as the only two states to base its rollout strictly on age, according to the Washington Post. The new plan strays from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance, which recommends prioritizing frontline and essential workers as well as individuals with underlying health conditions.
As a result, Hamden residents are conflicted on whether it is the right move or not.
“I support it because I think it’s more expeditious,” Hamden resident Beth McArthur, 69, said. “But I’m concerned about how it’s biased against people with disabilities and other medical conditions.”
McArthur, who has already received her first dose of the vaccine, said she hopes the state can find a way for younger people who are at higher risk to get the vaccine sooner rather than later.
Hamden resident Mayle Perez, 24, also said she thinks those at a higher risk should not have to wait, regardless of age.
“I think putting it toward a higher risk group would be more manageable than age groups,” Perez said. “There could be a 50 year old that is healthier than say a 24 year old with a disability that puts them at a greater risk. That should be considered.”
While not all agreed with the state’s decision, there are some residents who are happy to see that teachers are prioritized.
“The teachers should’ve been some of the first to get it,” Bob Lee, 68, of Hamden, said. “If you want the kids back in school, the teacher’s should be vaccinated.”
According to the CDC, 16.9% of Connecticut residents have received their first dose of the vaccine as of Feb. 23.
