Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) has begun its next phase of administering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and is now offering the vaccine to its Day Kimball Medical Group (DKMG) patients who qualify for phase 1b of Connecticut’s vaccination program.

DKH continues to follow guidelines and procedures put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) for vaccine distribution. Because the COVID-19 vaccine is currently available in limited supplies, the state’s rollout plan prioritizes vaccination for people who are of highest risk of exposure or severe complications.

“We are following the state’s plan for distribution and we are committed to providing equitable access to vaccination for our patients and the community as additional supplies of vaccines become available,” said Kyle Kramer, chief executive officer, Day Kimball Healthcare. “Since supply is limited it will take some time to provide vaccinations for everyone who wants them.”

In phase 1b of the state’s vaccination program, DKH will focus efforts on established patients of DKMG who are age 75 and older. Please note the following:

• The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine requires two shots that are spaced four weeks apart.
• DKMG is contacting patients who are 75 and older to schedule their vaccine appointments for both their first and second doses.
• Vaccinations will take place by appointment only at the Day Kimball Healthcare Center in Plainfield, located at 12 Lathrop Road.
• Masks will be required, and all persons will be screened upon entry.
• People scheduled to receive the vaccine should plan to come alone and be prepared to wait 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine for observation before leaving.
• If a person with an appointment requires assistance, they will be permitted to have one person accompany them.
• Patients should bring a photo ID and a pen to their appointments.

Genevieve Brooker, 78, of Danielson was the first Day Kimball Medical Group patient to receive her first of two COVID-19 vaccines at the Day Kimball Healthcare Center in Plainfield on Friday, January 29.

“I feel fantastic to finally receive my vaccine,” Brooker said. “It was quick and painless. Receiving the vaccine gives me hope for an end to the pandemic and to finally get back to living my life.”

Those who are eligible but are not established DKMG patients can:

• Contact the state’s scheduling assistance hotline at 1-877-918-2224.

• Or register in the VAMS system (Vaccine Administration Management System) at dphsubmissions.ct.gov/onlinevaccine. Once registered, VAMS will email individuals to guide them through the appointment process for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

All Day Kimball Medical Group primary care practices are welcoming new patients. Call 1-800-DKMG-DOC to find a provider at DKH locations in Danielson, Dayville, Plainfield, or Putnam.

Until a vaccine is available to everyone, it is important to continue wearing masks, social distancing, and practicing basic hand hygiene. As a reminder, anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, chills, cough or shortness of breath) should stay home and contact their primary care provider before visiting any healthcare location.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination distribution plans in Connecticut, call 2-1-1, the CT State Hotline for information or visit ct.gov/covidvaccine. Local information is available on the Northeast District Department of Health website at nddh.org. For more information about Day Kimball Healthcare’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout visit daykimball.org/coronavirus.

Photo Caption: Day Kimball Medical Group patient, Genevieve Brooker, 78, of Danielson, receives her first of two COVID-19 vaccines from Dr. Marguerite Davis, DKH Family Medicine physician with the Day Kimball Medical Group practice in Danielson, at the Day Kimball Healthcare Center in Plainfield on Friday, January 29.