Police were called to a Waterford CVS after a group of about ten people out of state who drove to Connecticut to get the COVID-19 vaccine were withdrawn because they did not meet state requirements, officials said.
The group consisted primarily of people who, being 75 years of age or older, would be eligible for the vaccine under the guidance of Phase 1b of the state if they lived or worked in the state. However, because they did not meet these criteria, they were told that they could not get the vaccine when they applied to CVS after registering online.
The Ledge Light Health District called police after the Department of Public Health informed them of the situation.
Police said officers came to CVS to give the final word that out-of-state visitors could not get their vaccines and that they had to leave.
Brenda Warsaw and her 86-year-old mother, from Long Island, New York, were two people in the group who said they went to Waterford to get the vaccine.
Warsaw said he told CVS several times that his mother was from New York and did not work in Connecticut. He said CVS told him it was good to go.
After confirming the appointment three times, Warsaw said her mother was retired along with another group of New Yorkers.
CVS representative Tara Burke said there is nothing in the system that prevents someone from registering for the vaccine, even if they live in another state. Therefore, if that person does not meet the requirements of this state, they will be removed when they arrive at their appointment.
Before people sign up for a vaccination appointment, this is the message that will appear, according to Burke:
People must live or work in Connecticut and must also meet one of the following criteria:
- You are 75 years old or older; or
- A healthcare worker at risk of exposure to COVID-19; or
- A first medical assistant facing the risk of exposure to COVID-19; or
- A staff member of the long-term care center; or
- Resident of a long-term care center
We recognize the high demand for vaccines against COVID-19. As more supply becomes available and eligibility expands, we hope to increase access to vaccines to more stores and more people.
Connecticut has a reciprocal agreement with surrounding states to vaccinate people who meet eligibility requirements and live or work in that state, according to Connecticut Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe. However, someone who does not live or work in Connecticut is not eligible to receive a vaccine here, Geballe said at a news conference Thursday, reiterating the state’s previous guidelines.
Burke said it is the patient’s responsibility to read all criteria and make sure they meet state requirements before registering for the vaccine using the CVS system. The CVS must trust people to read and follow state guidelines when registering, Burke said.
As for Thursday’s incident, there were no arrests or altercations and everyone remained civil and calm, according to police.