Yesterday, Governor Lamont announced a sweeping change to the way that vaccinations will be distributed in Connecticut. Previously, it was anticipated that workers in essential businesses would receive the vaccines next. Many businesses started plans for the eventuality.
That plan was thrown out.
Instead, the governor announced a new age-based plan. It’s simple and straightforward though it leaves some essential workers and some with pre-existing medical conditions with a further wait for the vaccine.
Ultimately, the planned timing is as follows:
- On March 1, 2021, residents and employees within Connecticut who are 55 years old or older will now be eligible, as well as educators and child care providers.
- On March 22, 2021, that will expand to those 45 years old and older
- On April 12, 2021, that will expand to those 35 years old and older
- On May 3, 2021, it will expand to all remaining eligible (with the caveat that the vaccine is not yet approved for those under the age of 16).
In the short term, this may disrupt some essential business plans to get their workforce back to the office sooner because some of their staff may not get vaccinated until early summer. But it may also allow some other businesses to open back up sooner because some of their workers can get vaccinated earlier.
Employers now need to be ready to address vaccination questions such as accommodations that were thought to be several months away.
The vaccines are finally here. Time to get to work.