HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—The city of Hartford is looking to make the COVID-19 vaccine more accessible as the state welcomes those in the latest eligible age group to book their vaccine appointments.
The city teamed up with Hartford HealthCare Thursday to set up a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Hartford Public Works Department on Jennings Road in order to vaccinate the department's frontline workers.
"And I'm especially excited to be joining those employees," Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said while at the clinic. Bronin got his first dose of the vaccine as he urged Hartford residents to do the same.
According to Bronin, this is one of many clinics that are being set up around the city to encourage more residents to get vaccinated, including one of the the first no-appointment-necessary clinics set up Thursday afternoon at a Walmart on Flatbush Avenue.
"This will be the first in a series of clinics that we're holding for Hartford residents that do not require an appointment. They're walk-up clinics," he said.
It is part of the city's effort to eliminate every barrier to the vaccine possible for the community, Bronin said.
With the new age group made eligible Thursday, Hartford HealthCare's Infection Prevention Senior System Director Keith Grant is reassuring residents that the state is ready to handle the influx of residents looking to get vaccinated.
"From a vaccination perspective, we're doing quite well. I think we're more than prepared," Grant said about handling the new numbers.
However, Grant said this is not the time to stop doing any and all safety precautions. Hand-washing, face mask-wearing, social distancing and other safety measures are important, he said, especially with the spread of COVID-19 variants.
Taking those precautions are particularly important over the next few weeks, he said.
"I do believe this from an epidemiology perspective. Our actions now determines how our summer looks," he said.
Bronin is urging Hartford residents to book a vaccine appointment by filling out a form on the city's website.