Vaccination Availability

March 2, 2021 | by Ted Craft

Updated Sunday, March 7

Those age 55 and above are now eligible for vaccination appointments. Demand for appointments exceeds supply.

If you have been able to make an appointment but it is several weeks away, try again in a few days. You may be able to get an earlier slot. If you do get a new appointment, be sure to cancel the old one so no dose goes to waste.

As of this update, it is difficult to get an appointment directly with most major healthcare systems and at pharmacies. The least frustrating course may be to register with the VAMS system and wait for a confirmation email (which may take a couple of days) about where you can get vaccinated.

We continue to receive favorable comments about Stamford Hospital. The hospital’s online registration system is straightforward, and while you may be on hold for a little while, appointments can be made by telephone.

Here are key links, with current information we have found about each one.

VAMS

VAMS, the CDC’s Vaccine Administration Management System, is accessed here.

After registering, you get an email confirmation. Then you can schedule an appointment. It may take a few days to receive the confirmation.

Telephone

You can make a telephone appointment by calling the State Vaccine Hotline at:

(877) 918-2224

The hotline is open every day, including weekends, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Healthcare providers

Stamford Hospital

Stamford Hospital registration can be done online here. Or, by telephone, call (203) 276-7300, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Norwalk Hospital

Norwalk Hospital uses the VAMS system.

Yale New Haven

You can register online here. At the moment, all vaccine appointments are full. A telephone information number is (833) 275-9644.

Hartford Health

Hartford’s online registration appears to be working. A telephone information number is (860) 827-7690.

Griffin Hospital

Griffin Hospital is in Derby, about a 25-minute drive away. Online registration is here. But the website currently asks you to instead call (203) 433-3394 to speak with a specialist. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Other locations

You can check with the State’s vaccine portal to find other clinics, but there are few. The list currently includes Walgreens pharmacies, CVS pharmacies, and Walmart locations.

Currently, Walgreens has clinics in Norwalk and Ridgefield, but no appointments are available.

CVS has a clinic in Bridgeport, but the website says all appointments in Connecticut are booked.