East Hartford

State's Largest COVID-19 Vaccine Drive-Thru Clinic Opens in East Hartford

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

The former Pratt & Whitney runway on Runway Road has been converted into a 10-lane mass vaccine clinic. There are several large signs directing drivers on how to get back there from Silver Lane.

The Pfizer vaccine will be administered there by the Community Health Center.

Those 75 and older can now sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine in Connecticut. State officials say Phase 1B will eventually expand to include those 65 and older, but it will take time to get enough doses.

Vaccines will be available by appointment only to those who fall under phases 1a and 1b, which includes health care workers, first responders and people over the age of 75.

As of Monday, people 75 and over with appointments will be able to get vaccinated.

“The state of Connecticut has promised that they will continue to make sure we have ample supply here. I think we’re all worried about the national supply. With the new Biden administration, I think they’re going to work very hard to make sure there’s adequate supplies out there. There will be bumps on the road. Our job is to communicate clearly with Connecticut residents about the availability of the vaccine,” Mark Masselli, the president and CEO of Community Health Center, said.

NBC Connecticut

People who are 75 years old and older who have an email address and the ability to schedule an appointment online can schedule through the online Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS).

They can also call 877-918-2224 to make an appointment. State officials ask that only people 75 and older call the number, as they are expecting a high call volume.

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

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

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