Resources

    Senior Medicare Patrol Fraud Alert – Be alert to COVID-19 Vaccine fraud

    The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine has been announced and unfortunately scammers will use this as an opportunity to take advantage of people eager to get the vaccine. We don’t know what the scam will look like but it’s important people are aware that scammers are eager to knock on your door, call your phones, send you emails and pretty much contact you any way possible. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) will release specific information on known scams as they happen, but in the meantime remember these tips to help you avoid vaccine scams.

    •   You cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
    •   You cannot pay to get early access to the vaccine.
    •   No one from Medicare or the Health Department with contact you.
    •   No one from a vaccine distribution site or health care payer, like a private insurance company, will call you asking for your Social Security number, or your credit card or bank account information to sign you up to get the vaccine.
    •   Beware of providers offering other products, treatments, or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.
    •   If you get a call, text, email — or even someone knocking on your door — claiming they can get you early access to the vaccine, STOP. That’s a scam.
    •   Be wary of where you get your information on the vaccine. Avoid unsolicited communication. For reliable information:
    •   You can check out the State of Connecticut COVID-19 Response Website or
    •   You can read the latest Press Release from Governor Lamont on how the Vaccine will be released.
    •   See attached Public Service Announcement from the FBI, Office of Inspector General and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

    Be Ready for the Recovery – Content by Judy

    Marketing trends have been heading in new directions for a while but the COVID19 is really pushing that envelope into horizons we cannot even imagine. We currently are living, working, and shopping in ways we never dreamed of. And these new ways too will change quickly as we readjust to a whole new “normal” as we come out of this lockdown.

    We will mourn the loss of many things, as we start consuming services and goods in different ways. We will be discovering what companies and businesses have survived. What new businesses have emerged.

    Stopping for a coffee can be a good example. How many of us stopped daily for that great cup of Joe? Couldn’t live without it…. Until….. Our lives changed. The habit got broken because we were no longer leaving the house every day. The question becomes how many cups of coffee will that business sell as we all come out of this pandemic? Will the local shops even reopen?

     

    Companies must adjust quickly if they plan to survive and be profitable over the next 5 years. Marketing trends have been heading in new directions for a while but the COVID19 is really pushing that envelope into horizons we cannot even imagine.

    Trends show we will continue to hold virtual meetings which will become a more efficient use of time. We will socialize in every different ways. We have found we do not like social distancing so much. Clubs will pop up and memberships will increase. Facebook groups will evolve and start gathering in person. Established groups such as VFWs, The Elks, The Moose will attract new members. Senior Centers, the Y, Park n Rec and similar organizations will experience a surge in activity as people discover their new routines.

    The public will spend months perhaps years looking for and discovering their new day to day habits. And when creating this new life, they will select the parts they liked and discard what they will not do again, and businesses need to be where the consumer can find them such as SeniorCenterCt.org. This collective site is trusted and contains trusted information. This cutting-edge resource is that place where users find what they are looking for, mark their calendars with activities and though clickable ads find services and products they are looking for. Plus, then can relay all this information to their family and friends.

    Businesses need to:

    • Be that trusted advisor/service/site/provider
    • Strengthen existing customer relationships
    • Identify real opportunities and shift accordingly
    • pinpoint key priorities
    • determine their brand and do extensive brand building so their company is easy to recognize
    • Be ready for the recovery

    And all businesses need to be very aware of the senior population. As a group they will be for the most part the least affected by all of this. For the most part their income will continue to be very stable. And they still will be purchasing and consuming at the rate they were.

    Resources like SeniorCenterCt.org will grow in popularity as the senior population, their friends and families are looking to establish and get back their “new” ordinary lives.

    COVID-19: Vaccination FAQ

    COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ

    Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page! For quicker results, click on the links below to navigate to the section of information that you’re searching for.

    Eligibility and Requirements

    When will I be able to receive a COVID-19 Vaccine? 
    Information about eligibility and timeline can be found at ct.gov/covidvaccine/access. It’s important to remember that vaccination access and information change quickly, so please check back frequently for the most up-to-date information.

    I was supposed to be in Phase 1b, but now I’m not.  What happened?
    Eligibility for the vaccine will continue to follow an age-based schedule. Beginning March 1st, the next age group eligible for vaccination are CT residents 55 to 64 years old, as well as all preschool through 12th-grade educators and staff, and child care workers living or working in CT. Individuals who were eligible under Phase 1a or as residents/staff of congregate settings remain eligible and can still schedule their vaccination appointments.

    I have a comorbidity and I’m not 55, can I still get vaccinated?
    If you are not a resident 55+ years old and are not an eligible education or child care worker, you will be able to receive the vaccine when your age group becomes eligible. If you are under the age of 55 but were eligible for vaccine as part of Phase 1a or because you are a resident or staff in an eligible congregate setting, you are still eligible and can schedule your vaccination appointment.

    Are only teachers eligible in the next vaccination group?
    All Pre-K through 12th-grade educators and staff who work onsite with students are eligible to start scheduling and receiving the vaccine beginning March 1st. This includes:

    • Teachers, paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, and in-class volunteers
    • Custodial staff, food services workers, and school bus drivers
    • School Resource Officers and contracted social services and mental health professionals who work with students in schools
    • Before- and after-school program staff
    • Coaches
    • In-school administrative staff
    • Childcare professionals
    • Board of Education members, Adult Education, Higher Education, and staff not working in schools are NOT eligible unless they meet the appropriate age-band

    For more information, check out Vaccine Eligibility for Education and Childcare Professionals and Staff.

    How do I get an appointment?  Do I have to go through my school/school district? Will I have to show identification?
    By March 1st, you should expect to hear from your employer and/or your local health director about options for appointments to receive your first dose. The state is committed to ensuring that our school and childcare professionals have at least one dose administered in March. We expect that closed clinics will be available to school personnel, childcare workers and others in the coming weeks as vaccine supply grows. Individuals eligible to receive vaccine because they work with children in childcare or pre-K through 12 settings must bring verification of their employment to the vaccine clinic. Such verification could include an employee ID card, a paystub, or a letter from the employer.

    I live in town X but teach in town Y, where do I get my vaccine?
    You will receive options from your employer/school district by March 1st for how and where you can make appointments/receive the vaccine.

    I teach at a boarding school, are we eligible?
    Yes, educators and support staff working onsite at private schools are eligible to start scheduling and receiving the vaccine beginning March 1st.

    Will Birth to Three staff be a part of the child care vaccine priority group?
    Birth to Three Staff who work in child care settings will be considered child care staff for purposes of the vaccine priority.

    Are college professors eligible?
    No, only educators and staff for Pre-K through 12th grade are currently eligible for the vaccine. Otherwise, you may be eligible based on your age.

    I work in a childcare center, am I eligible?
    Yes, childcare professionals living or working in CT are eligible for the vaccine beginning March 1st.

    I am a CT resident, but I teach out of state. Am I eligible?
    If you are age 55 or over, you are eligible. However, if you are younger than 55, you are only eligible to receive vaccine if you work in a CT school district.

    I’m under 55 years old, when will I be eligible?
    As our supply of doses from the federal government increases and new vaccines are approved, we anticipate each age group will take about 3 weeks to receive their first doses of vaccine.  Therefore the anticipated schedule when each group will be allowed to begin scheduling appointments is:

    • 55+ – March 1st
    • 45+ – March 22nd
    • 35+ – April 12th
    • 16-64 – May 3rd

    Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory?
    No. The State of Connecticut is not mandating vaccination.

    Can I get the vaccine if I live outside of the State of Connecticut? What if I work in Connecticut, but don’t live in Connecticut?
    You are eligible to receive vaccine in the State of Connecticut if you live or work in the State of Connecticut. If you live outside Connecticut, but work here, you must provide proof of your employment in Connecticut in order to receive your vaccination here. If you neither live nor work in the State of Connecticut, you are not eligible to receive vaccine in the State of Connecticut, even if your primary medical provider is in the State of Connecticut. If you do not live or work in Connecticut, you should receive vaccine from your State of residence when you are eligible based on their requirements.

    Can people who have already have COVID-19 get the vaccine? 
    Yes. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 because you can catch it more than once.  You can receive the vaccine any time after you are done with your isolation period and your symptoms have resolved, but since you have antibodies for that 90 day period and re-infection is not likely during that timeframe, you can also choose to wait until after 90 days to get immunized.

     

    Scheduling your Vaccination

    For those looking for more information about scheduling a vaccine appointment, visit our dedicated scheduling page:
    Click here for scheduling information

    I’m eligible for vaccine in the upcoming 55+ and educators group, can I schedule my vaccine appointment?
    Scheduling is currently only available for those 65 and older. Scheduling for individuals 55+ and educators/childcare will begin on March 1st.

    Can I support my parents, grandparents, neighbors, or others who need help scheduling online in finding an appointment?
    Yes, you can.  Each person signing up through the VAMS system requires their own, distinct email address, and that is likely true for other scheduling systems as well. So, you may need to provide support in creating an email in addition to helping with scheduling.

    Should I call my doctor to schedule a vaccine appointment?
    No, do not call your doctor. Not every medical provider is administering vaccines at this time. Those who are will contact their patients to schedule appointments.

    If I’m under the age of 65 and I have documented underlying health conditions can I schedule my appointment now?
    No. Currently, only individuals 65 and over are being scheduled for appointments. The next group eligible to schedule and receive vaccinations are individuals 55+, educators, in-school staff, and childcare professionals. If you do not fall into the next eligible group, you must wait until your age group is eligible for vaccination to schedule your appointment.

    I am in Phase 1a, but wasn’t able to get my vaccination yet, do I have to wait now?
    No, individuals who were eligible in Phase 1a can still be vaccinated, along with individuals 65 and over. If you lack the internet access to make your appointment you can call the COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Assistance Line, 877-918-2224, seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m to schedule at select sites. Due to high volume, hold times may vary.

    What if I can’t schedule an appointment when my window opens up?
    Currently, the state’s weekly supply of vaccines is smaller than the demand for vaccines.  While the supply of doses from the federal government is increasing, we are still several weeks away from having a supply that will meet demand.  Therefore, when we open up new age groups for vaccination, there will be delays in getting appointments. We ask for everyone’s patience and please know that you will get an appointment, but it might take some time for appointments to open up.

     

    Privacy

    If I get a vaccination, where will my information go? Can I be sure it will be kept safe?
    Your personal and health care information will be kept private, and will not be shared outside of your healthcare provider’s office, and the Department of Public Health. Personal identifying information such as your name, contact information, and address will be treated as confidential health care information and will not be shared with law enforcement or the federal government without a court order or similar legal compulsion.

     

    Getting the Vaccine

    Where do I go for a vaccination?
    When you are eligible for a vaccination, you will most likely work through your medical provider, or the employer coordinator at your workplace to learn about the specifics of your eligibility requirements. Vaccines will be able to be administered in a wide range of places: physician’s offices, hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers, and other locations that would normally administer vaccinations.

    I don’t have state-issued identification, will I be able to get a COVID-19 vaccination?
    Yes, you can still be vaccinated. No person will be turned away based on their ability to show ID. While sharing your contact information may not be required to get a vaccine, staff at the vaccination site may ask individuals for an ID, but this only applies to people who have one. Individuals should bring an ID, if they have one, to verify the name and eligibility information they submitted to the vaccination appointment system, their insurance information if they have insurance, and their employment in Connecticut if they work but do not live in the state. Individuals can still get the COVID-19 vaccine without insurance or an ID.

    Am I going to be required to carry verification that I’ve been vaccinated? 
    No. Although your provider will make sure that their records reflect you have received the vaccine in order to most effectively treat you in the future.

    Can I get a certificate that says I am vaccinated?
    Most providers will give you a card when they administer your first vaccine dose that notes the date and reminds you of your next appointment to receive the second dose.  The State is currently exploring options for providing some form of vaccine verification beyond the cards in use now by vaccine administrators.

     

    Vaccine Types

    Is there a difference between the vaccinations that I can take? 
    There are only small differences, but both vaccines currently authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are highly effective based on trials. Below, you’ll see some basic details about both.

    Vaccine Age Requirements Recommended Time Between Doses
    Pfizer  16+ 21 days
    Moderna  18+ 28 days

    Do I get to choose which vaccine brand I want to receive? 
    In general, given scarce supply, only one vaccine may be available through your provider. You can talk with your medical provider if you have specific questions or concerns that may lead you to want to seek out one specific COVID-19 vaccine versus another.

    Can I choose the vaccine that says it’s the most effective? 
    Getting the vaccine, regardless of the brand, will protect you from severe illness, hospitalization and the risk of death from COVID-19.

    Can I choose to get a one-dose vaccine? I don’t have time for two shots.
    Currently the only vaccines available require a two-dose course for full protection against COVID-19.  One-dose vaccines may soon be available depending on authorization by the FDA. However, they will be in scarce supply for some time, and not every provider will have access to them, so the choice will be limited by the provider.

     

    The Second Dose

    How do I know when to schedule my second vaccination? 
    Most providers will ask you to schedule your first and second vaccination at the same time and will help you set up reminders via text, email, or phone call about your second dose.

    What if I miss my second shot, or cannot find an appointment for 21 (for Pfizer)or 28 (for Moderna) days after my first shot – is it a problem if I wait?
    No. You do not need to get your second dose exactly 21 (for Pfizer) or 28 (for Moderna) days after your first shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised that the second should be taken up to 42 days of the first dose. However, the CDC has also indicated that you do not need to start the shots over again if you go beyond the 42-day window for the second shot. It will still be effective.

     

    Vaccine Trials

    How do we know the vaccines are safe? 
    The Pfizer vaccine alone had a trial of over 40,000 people over a period of many months without any serious incidents. No vaccines will be available to the public without the review of the federal government and the Science Subcommittee of Governor Lamont’s Vaccine Advisory Group. In Connecticut, we continue to make every decision with public health as a number one priority.

    Since the vaccine is so new, how do you know there won’t be long-term health effects from taking it? 
    Because all COVID-19 vaccines are new, it will take more time and more people getting vaccinates to learn about very rare or possible long-term effects.  At least 8 weeks’ worth of safety data were gathered in the clinical trials for all the authorized vaccines and it’s unusual for vaccine side effects to appear more than 8 weeks after vaccination.

     

    Long-Term Care Facilities

    My relative is in a nursing home, can I visit once the residents are vaccinated? 
    You should continue to follow guidelines released by the Department of Public Health. While you or your family member may be vaccinated, you may come into others who are not, so it is critical to continue to use caution.

    If I’m vaccinated, can I visit family in the hospital or nursing home? 
    You should continue to follow guidelines released by the Department of Public Health. While you or your family member may be vaccinated, you may come into others who are not, so it is critical to continue to use caution.

    Once I’m vaccinated, can I stop wearing a mask and social distancing? 
    No. Not everyone you come into contact with will have received the vaccine, and you may still be able to spread COVID-19. It is critical to follow basic public health best practices for the foreseeable future.

    Safety and Vaccine Risks

    Can I still get COVID-19 after I’m vaccinated?
    It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. However, if you still get infected after you get vaccinated, the vaccine may prevent serious illness.

    What are the side effects of the vaccine? 
    Those who receive the vaccine may experience mild symptoms of COVID-19 and soreness at the site of injection. Information about rare allergic reactions to the vaccination can be found on the CDC website.

    Is it safe to get vaccinated if I have an underlying health condition? 
    Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is especially important for people with underlying health problems like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and obesity.  People with these conditions are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. It is recommended that people with these conditions get vaccinated. Individuals who have had prior allergic reactions to injectable medicines should consult with their medical providers before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

    I’ve had allergic reactions to other shots, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine? 
    You should talk with your provider about what allergies may make it risky for you to get the COVID-19 vaccination, but, it has proven safe in the vast majority of instances.

    Can I get the vaccine if I’m pregnant or nursing? 
    Yes.

    Is the COVID-19 vaccination safe for children?
    Vaccinations are only authorized for those over 16 at this time, and more research needs to be done to develop a vaccine for children, but we are hopeful that there will be an update in the future.

    Can people who have already have COVID-19 get the vaccine? 
    Yes. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 because you can catch it more than once. While you may have some short-term antibody protection after recovering from COVID-19, we don’t know how long this protection will last.

    How do we know the vaccines are safe? 
    The Pfizer vaccine alone had a trial of over 40,000 people over a period of many months without any serious incidents. No vaccines will be available to the public without the review of the federal government and the Science Subcommittee of Governor Lamont’s Vaccine Advisory Group. In Connecticut, we continue to make every decision with public health as a number one priority.

    Can the vaccine give me COVID-19? 
    No.  None of the COVD-19 vaccines currently authorized for use or in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. However, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick.

    Does this vaccine cause infertility? 
    No. This is a rumor.

    I have a food allergy, can I get the vaccine? 
    Yes. Information about the COVID-19 vaccination and allergies can be found on the CDC’s website.

    I have seasonal allergies, can I get the vaccine? 
    Yes. Information about the COVID-19 vaccination and allergies can be found on the CDC’s website.

    Can the vaccine give me COVID-19? 
    No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use or in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19.  However, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick.

    So, What’s Going on at Senior Centers during COVID – Content by Judy

    People continue to be surprised on what is still happening in Senior Centers as we continue dealing with COVID and all of those restrictions.

    Well first off, the Senior Center Staff is still working. They are just as helpful as they were when you were there. They miss you, too!! They cannot wait for you to come in those doors!

    The staff is just as committed to serving you – it’s just that things are different

    The Senior Center phone lines are manned, and you can still get your questions answered. Call and let them know what you need help with.

    You can still sign up for Meals on Wheels, Fuel Assistance, Elderly & Totally Disabled Tax Relief Program, AARP income tax assistance, and other programs. Or get the information on how you can apply.

    You can find out which of these programs you are eligible for. Plus, any others you might be able to take advantage of.

    You can get Meals on Wheels delivered to your home.

    Most Senior Centers are still providing transportation.

    Many Senior Centers have meals you can order and pick-up curbside.

    If your local Senior Center is not distributing food, they can tell you where your closest location is.

    There are lots of virtual and Zoom classes available. The beauty of those is that you can attend events that are well out of your area. There is no need to travel to a Senior Center across the state. Just register and login on the day and time the event is happening.

    SeniorCenterCt.org has a Zoom calendar on the main landing page. Just click on the Zoom Calendar icon and you’ll find any number of things you can do.

    Here is an example of some of the virtual and Zoom classes that you might find: Tai Chi, Genealogy, Sing Along, Trivia, lectures on a number of topics, paint night, bingo and more!!

    So, call your Senior Center and see if you can pick up jigsaw puzzles, books from the Senior Center Library, or maybe even craft kits. Who knows, give them a call, and ask!!

    So even though, you might have thought your Senior Center is CLOSED, it’s not really…. It’s just that the public cannot go into the building.

    Connecticut Residents 75 and Older Can Register for COVID-19 Vaccine Information

    If you need help to sign up please contact Karen Washington at 860-376-2329.

    UNCAS Health District Press Report & Scheduling Links

    UNCAS Health District Logo

     Connecticut Residents 75 and Older Can Register for COVID-19 Vaccine 

    The state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts have now expanded to phase 1b, and as a result, Connecticut residents who are 75 years or older now qualify to receive vaccines. 

    Due to limited supply of the vaccine, registering through an online or phone system will be necessary. The state’s Vaccine Administration Management System is now open for registration submission. Those over the age of 75, or their loved ones, are asked to submit applications through the online web portal. 

    https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine 

    When accepted into the registration portal, individuals will receive emails informing them of the next steps necessary in the scheduling process. 

    For those in the age group who lack computer access or knowledge, they can also call: 877.918.2224 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

    There may be an initial delay in scheduling access, but as the state actively enrolls providers and staff, it is expected for that access to rapidly grow in coming weeks. All information submitted through VAMS will be kept private. The link to VAMS also contains an extensive list of frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, helping to ease any concerns individuals may have. More than 100 health care providers statewide will offer the vaccine, including UConn Health and Hartford Healthcare, with more locations and a map of all locations to be made available in coming weeks. 

    In addition, if you have a MyChartPlus account through Hartford Healthcare, you may schedule a clinic appointment through Hartford Healthcare that is convenient for you. You may register at: 

    https://mychartplus.org/mychart/accesscheck.asp 

    If you would prefer to schedule your appointment by phone, call the Hartford HealthCare Access Center at 860.827.7690 or toll-free at 833.943.5721. 

    All vaccinations are offered by appointment; people must first register through one of the systems listed above to secure an appointment. Vaccine supply remains limited and patience is requested. 

     

     401 W. Thames St., Ste. 106, Norwich, CT 06360
    Telephone No. (860) 823-1189 FAX No. (860) 887-7898
    E-Mail: doh@uncashd.org
    Internet: www.uncashd.org