HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Connecticut is moving up the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility date for those over the age of 16 to April 1, Governor Ned Lamont announced Thursday.
Plans to accelerate the roll-out were made due to vaccination shipments continuously being ramped up and because of the efficient speed at which the state's vaccine providers have been getting doses out, Lamont said.
The eligibility date for those age 16 to 44 was originally set for April 5.
According to state officials, 38% of all adults over the age of 16 have received at least one dose statewide, including 80% over the age of 75.
State officials reported a total of 619,154 vaccinations administered in Connecticut. Connecticut ranks among the top three most vaccinated states in the country, state officials said.
COVID-19 variants continue to spread across the state.
There have been 379 cases reported of the B.1.1.7 variant first detected in the United Kingdom, state officials said.
Also, seven cases of the B.1.351 (South African) variant and two cases of the P.1 (Brazil) variant as well as two cases of the B.1.427 variant and seven cases of the B.1.429 variant, both detected in California, officials said.
Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccination program can be found on the CT Vaccine Portal.