Police were called to a CVS Waterford after a group of about 10 people from outside the states who drove to Connecticut to receive the COVID-19 vaccine were rejected because they did not meet state requirements, officials said.
The group consisted mainly of people who, because they are 75 years of age or older, would be eligible for the vaccine under state phase 1b if they lived or worked in the state. However, because they do not meet these criteria, they were told that they could not receive the vaccine when they applied to CVS after registering online.
Ledge Light Health District called the police after being informed of the situation by the Department of Public Health.
Police said officers arrived at CVS to give the final word that visitors from outside the state could not get their vaccines and had to leave.
Brenda Warsaw and her 86-year-old mother from Long Island, NY, were two people in the group who said they drove to Waterford to get the vaccine.
Warsaw said it told CVS several times that her mother was from New York and not working in Connecticut. He said CVS told him it was okay to leave.
After confirming the appointment three times, Warsaw said her mother was removed along with another group of New Yorkers.
CVS representative Tara Burke said there was nothing in the system that would prevent someone from registering for the vaccine, even if they live in another state. So, if that person does not meet the requirements of that state, he will be rejected on arrival for their appointment.
Before people register for a vaccination meeting, 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 of age or older; or
- A health worker facing a risk of COVID-19 exposure; or
- A primary care physician who is at risk for COVID-19 exposure; or
- A staff member of the long-term care institution; or
- A long-term resident
We recognize the high demand for COVID-19 vaccines. As more supply becomes available and eligibility expands, we look forward to increased access to vaccinations in more stores and more people.
Connecticut has a mutual 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 told a news conference Thursday, reiterating previous state guidance.
Burke said it is the patient’s responsibility to read all criteria and ensure they meet state requirements before registering for the vaccine using the CVS system. CVS must rely on people to read and follow state instructions when registering, Burke said.
As for Thursday’s incident, there were no arrests or altercations and everyone remained civil and calm, according to police.