Police were called to a Waterford CFS after a group of about 10 out-of-staters who drove to Connecticut to get the COVID-19 vaccine were turned down for failing to meet state requirements, officials said.
The group consisted mainly of people who, because they are 75 years of age or older, would be eligible for the vaccine under the state’s Phase 1b guidelines if they lived or worked in the state. However, because they don’t meet those criteria, they were told they couldn’t get the vaccine when they showed up to CFS after registering online.
The Ledge Light Health District called the police after they were made aware of the situation by the Ministry of Health.
Police said officers had arrived at CFS to give the final word that the out-of-state visitors could not get their vaccines and they had to leave.
Brenda Warsaw and her 86-year-old mother from Long Island, NY, were two people in the group who said they drove to Waterford to get the vaccine.
Warsaw said she told CVS several times that her mother was from New York and didn’t work in Connecticut. She said CFS told her she was ready to go.
After confirming the appointment three times, Warsaw said her mother had been expelled, along with another group of New Yorkers.
CFS representative Tara Burke said there is nothing in the system to stop anyone from registering for the vaccine, even if they live in another state. So if that person doesn’t meet that state’s requirements, they’ll be turned down for their appointment upon arrival.
Before people sign up for a vaccination appointment, here’s the message Burke says:
Individuals must live or work in Connecticut and must also meet one of the following criteria:
- You are 75 years of age or older; or
- A health professional at risk of exposure to COVID-19; or
- A medical first responder at risk of exposure to COVID-19; or
- An employee of a long-term care institution; or
- A resident of a long-term care facility
We recognize the high demand for COVID-19 vaccines. As more supply becomes available and eligibility increases, we look forward to increasing access to vaccinations in more stores and for more people.
Connecticut has a reciprocal agreement with surrounding states to vaccinate people who meet the eligibility requirements and live or work in that state, according to Josh Geballe, Connecticut’s chief operating officer. However, someone who doesn’t live or work in Connecticut is not eligible for a vaccine here, Geballe said at a news conference on Thursday, echoing previous state guidelines.
Burke said it is the patient’s responsibility to read all of the criteria and make sure they meet state requirements before registering for the vaccine using the CVS system. CVS must rely on people to read and follow state guidelines when registering, Burke said.
As for Thursday’s incident, there were no arrests or quarrels and, according to police, everyone remained polite and calm.