The Town of New Fairfield is working with state and regional officials to prepare for administering COVID-19 vaccines when they become available.
First Selectman Pat Del Monaco notes that the vaccine will most likely be available in a phased approach, with emphasis first to critical workers like those in healthcare, first responders, teachers, and the like, as well as to those with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. In anticipation of a vaccine becoming available early next year, New Fairfield is updating the town's list of residents who may fall into the first phase or who will need special attention in the vaccination program.
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI = 40 kg/m2)
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
The CDC states that adults of any age with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
Cystic fibrosis
Hypertension or high blood pressure
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
Neurologic conditions, such as dementia
Liver disease
Overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2, but < 30 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
To make sure New Fairfield has the right number of vaccines at the right time and have made the right arrangements for residents to be vaccinated, contact Cindy White, Director of Social Services at 203-312-5669 or cwhite@newfairfield.org.
