Coronavirus Vaccinations Underway In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — The coronavirus vaccine is being rolled out across the state, including in Stratford.

The town health department had vaccinated about 200 people as of last week, Mayor Laura Hoydick told the Town Council at its monthly meeting Monday, adding another 200 vaccines were set to be given at a clinic Wednesday.

The health department began offering the vaccine in late December and has administered every dose it has received, she said.

So far, only people categorized under that state’s Phase 1a have been vaccinated, including healthcare personnel, long-term care facility residents and medical first responders.

“We are getting into the next round of 1b,” Hoydick said.

Phase 1b extends eligibility to front-line essential workers, people and staff in congregate settings and those who are 75 years or older. The town was waiting Monday for additional direction from the state on how qualifying seniors can receive the vaccine, but Hoydick said she expected more information Thursday.

As of Monday, a total of 3,107 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases had been recorded in Stratford since March, up by 78 cases since Friday, according to town data. In total, 122 Stratford residents had died as of Monday in association with the virus.

During the public forum before the council meeting, resident Jennifer Budai asked if the council would consider establishing a memorial for those from Stratford who died in the pandemic. Prompted by Councilwoman Kaitlyn Shake, Hoydick said expressed support for the idea and said she would solicit recommendations on a memorial from Stratford Strong, the town’s virus recovery task force.

For more information about receiving the coronavirus vaccine and its distribution in Stratford, email Health@townofstratford.com or call 203-385-4090. Stratford residents who are eligible for the vaccine but are not affiliated with an employer or organization can fill out an enrollment application to receive the vaccine at https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/Independent.

This article originally appeared on the Stratford Patch