Ned Lamont issued executive actions on Wednesday.
His office said the state Department of Public Health is recommending that children 6 months and older receive the vaccine, as well as adults of all ages.
“Making vaccines accessible is grounded in health and safety, which is too important to leave to the whims of a political agenda.
“Pharmacists are trusted frontline healthcare workers who are often the first point of contact for patients seeking vaccination.
Vaccine supply and guidance for children will continue through the Connecticut Vaccine Program and medical homes.
The governor has signed executive actions that, according to his office, will ensure “that coverage under state-regulated health insurance policies remains uninterrupted” and enable Connecticut residents who desire COVID vaccines to obtain them. “”.
At the same time, concerns have been raised by recent federal guidance regarding who will be eligible for the vaccines.
Gov. Executive actions were released by Ned Lamont on Wednesday.
The state Department of Public Health, according to his office, is advising adults of all ages and children six months and up to get the vaccine.
The U. A. The Food and Drug Administration has approved new vaccines for adults 65 and older as well as younger adults with conditions that increase their susceptibility to severe COVID-19.
In a statement, Lamont said, “Our administration is doing everything we can to ensure the residents of Connecticut have access to the health care they need to stay safe as uncertainty in Washington continues.”. “Access to vaccines is based on health and safety, which are too crucial to be left up to the whims of political agendas. Patients and their physicians should be able to determine the best course of treatment for themselves, as vaccines have been shown for many years to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. We refuse to let Washington’s traffic jams endanger our state’s residents. “.”.
For the 2025–2026 season, the state Department of Public Health has issued interim guidance that, according to the governor, is comparable to previous years’ recommendations and advises adults of all ages and children 6 months and older to get the vaccination.
In a statement, Department of Public Health Commissioner Juthani stated, “We can’t predict which respiratory viral infection will be most prevalent this season, but by getting vaccinated this fall, we can protect our families against them and potential severe complications.”. To collaborate with me on issues pertaining to the federal Food and Drug Administration’s and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations utilizing evidence-based data from peer-reviewed studies and literature, I am currently putting together an advisory committee. Our first meeting is currently being scheduled for this month. In order to guarantee that we keep giving the people of Connecticut the best care and direction possible, I am excited to talk with this group about the current federal changes pertaining to vaccines and other public health recommendations. “.”.
Pharmacists may continue to order, prescribe, and administer FDA-approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines using the most recent CDC administration instructions until the later of the following period, according to guidance on vaccine distribution from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
30 days following the DCP notice being issued or the vaccine being added to the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule.
“Prescribers and pharmacists may order, prescribe, and administer the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who fall outside the eligibility criteria authorized by the FDA, consistent with “off-label” use,” the governor’s office statement said, despite federal actions restricting eligibility for adults ages 18 to 65 with no underlying medical conditions.
“Pharmacists here in Connecticut were instrumental in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and that will continue this fall as patients look for defense against the latest virus strains,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli made a declaration. Often the initial point of contact for patients seeking vaccinations, pharmacists are dependable frontline healthcare professionals. We have released temporary guidance to give our pharmacists who administer COVID-19 vaccines clarity and uniformity while federal vaccine schedules are subject to change. “.”.
Furthermore, the Connecticut Insurance Department has sent a bulletin to all Connecticut health insurers and health care facilities confirming that the interim guidance from the state Department of Public Health for the 2025–2026 season is in compliance with the state law that mandates immunization coverage in health insurance policies issued by the state of Connecticut.
No matter the CDC’s stance, the governor’s office stated that current COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Connecticut-issued insurance policies will remain unchanged based on the Department of Public Health’s and the medical academies’ current guidance.
“According to current DPH guidance, this bulletin confirms that existing COVID-19 immunization coverage in Connecticut-issued insurance policies will remain unchanged,” stated CID Commissioner Andrew Mais.
According to the governor’s office, until 30 days after DCP’s notice or the vaccine’s addition to the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule, Connecticut pharmacists are permitted to order, prescribe, and administer FDA-approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccines to adults using the most recent CDC administration instructions.
Additionally, pharmacists may continue to administer vaccines in response to written or verbal prescriptions from prescribers, who may also order the vaccine in accordance with FDA labeling and current clinical guidelines. The Connecticut Vaccine Program and medical homes will continue to provide children with vaccines and advice.
According to the governor’s office, the Lamont administration is investigating possible legislative changes that might be required within state statutes to “ensure continued stability in the future, regardless of any potential shifts in positions from the federal government.” The administration also regularly communicates with public health officials from regional states in the Northeast to coordinate on a cooperative approach to these issues. “”.
