January 21, 2021: The East Shore District Health Department (ESDHD) in partnership with the shoreline towns of Branford, East Haven, Guilford, North Branford and Madison will conduct vaccination clinics for seniors 75 years of age and older.

Volunteers are being sought to help staff these clinics and assist our residents with appointment registrations on computers, administrative clinical support staffing, and assistance from medically trained residents in providing vaccinations to those who qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine under the state's phase schedule. Many of our senior residents will need assistance with computer access and vaccine appointment registration into the Federal Vaccine Administration and Management System (VAMS), communications as well as transportation to and from the vaccine clinics.

If you are looking to help, we are asking potential volunteers to please go to the CT Responds website https://ctresponds.ct.gov/. Once you are registered, you will receive further instructions on the volunteer orientation and loyalty oath. This will enable a volunteer to work in their town, or surrounding communities, to volunteer at the seniors clinics and other COVID related response activities.

This is an excellent opportunity to give back and assist your community, family, friends and neighbors. Those who volunteer at the COVID-19 clinics, also will be offered the vaccination as they qualify under the state's Phase 1a priority group.

At this time, the State of Connecticut has prioritized seniors 75 and older to currently receive their vaccine. Seniors have options as to where they can receive the vaccine after registering on the VAMS system. Connecticut will allow seniors 65 and older to receive their vaccine in February as vaccination supplies increase.

Although we have a vaccine and have started vaccinations, everyone is asked to be diligent in following the COVID-19 safety guidelines: wear a mask over your nose and mouth when out in public; adhere to a minimum 6-foot social distancing from others; avoid close contact with people who are sick; quarantine if you are in contact with someone who is sick or has tested positive for COVID-19; stay home if you are sick except to get medical care; wash your hands with soap and water frequently and for at least 20 seconds; cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands after; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

For the most current updates and recommendations, visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination---Phases . For general questions, please call 2-1-1.