Governor Lamont Announces Executive Actions To Protect COVID-19 Vaccine Access

(HARTFORD, CT) - In the face of recent actions within the federal government that have created uncertainty in the ability of Americans to access COVID-19 vaccines during the upcoming respiratory virus season, Governor Ned Lamont today announced a series of executive actions his administration is implementing to ensure that Connecticut residents who wish to be vaccinated continue to have access to these vaccines and that coverage under state-regulated health insurance policies remains uninterrupted.

"As uncertainty in Washington continues, our administration is doing everything we can to ensure the residents of Connecticut have access to the health care they need to stay safe," Governor Lamont said. "Making vaccines accessible is grounded in health and safety, which is too important to leave to the whims of a political agenda. Vaccines have been proven for many decades to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death, and patients and their doctors should be able to decide what is the best course of treatment for themselves. We will not allow gridlock in Washington to put the people of our state at risk."

The Lamont administration's actions include a multi-pronged approach among several state agencies, notably the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), and the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID).

DPH releases interim guidance on who should receive COVID vaccines

• Document: COVID-19 Updates and Interim Guidance from DPH

Under the leadership of Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, DPH today released interim guidance for the 2025-2026 season emphasizing that vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe COVID-19. The guidance is similar to those issued in previous years, recommending that children six months and older receive the vaccine, as well as adults of all ages.

The guidance was developed based on evidence-based recommendations from professional and expert medical organizations such as the recently released guidance from American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists(ACOG), and American Academy of Family Physicians(AAFP).

"We cannot predict which respiratory viral infection will be most prevalent this season, but we can protect our families against them and potential severe complications by getting vaccinated this fall," Commissioner Juthani said. "I am currently assembling an advisory committee to work with me on matters relating to recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal Food and Drug Administration using evidence-based data from peer-reviewed literature and studies. We are in the process of scheduling our first meeting for this month. I am looking forward to discussing with this group the ongoing changes at the federal level regarding vaccines and other public health recommendations to ensure that we continue to provide the best care and guidance to the people of Connecticut."

DCP provides guidance on distribution of vaccines to pharmacists

• Document: COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Update from DCP

To maintain seamless access while federal schedules are in flux, DCP today issued a guidance document to pharmacists, advising that - consistent with state law (C.G.S. § 20-633) - pharmacists may continue to order, prescribe, and administer FDA-approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines using the most recent CDC administration instructions until the later of:

1. 30 days from issuance of DCP's notice, or
2. The vaccine's inclusion on the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule.

While federal actions restrict eligibility for adults ages 18 to 65 with no underlying medical conditions, prescribers and pharmacists may order, prescribe, and administer the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who fall outside the eligibility criteria authorized by the FDA, consistent with "off-label" use.

"Here in Connecticut, pharmacists played a critical role in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, and that will continue this fall as patients seek protection against the most current strains of the virus," DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli said. "Pharmacists are trusted frontline healthcare workers who are often the first point of contact for patients seeking vaccination. While federal vaccine schedules are in flux, we have issued interim guidance to provide clarity and consistency for our pharmacists administering COVID-19 vaccines."

CID issues bulletin on insurance coverage

• Document: CID Bulletin on Confirmation of Mandatory Coverage for COVID-19 Immunizations

A bulletin issued today by CID to all health insurers and health care centers in Connecticut affirms that the DPH interim guidance for the 2025-2026 season aligns with existing state law requiring immunization coverage in Connecticut-issued health insurance policies. It also affirms that the DPH guidance is consistent with the COVID-19 immunization recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians or the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for which coverage is mandated by state law.

Based the current guidance from DPH and the medical academies, there will be no change to existing COVID-19 immunization coverage in Connecticut-issued insurance policies, regardless of the CDC's position.

"This bulletin confirms that based on current DPH guidance, there will be no change to existing COVID-19 immunization coverage in Connecticut-issued insurance policies," CID Commissioner Andrew Mais said.

What this means for Connecticut residents

Combined, these actions will help address some restrictions created by the CDC to access to the COVID-19 vaccines in Connecticut. Adults of all ages can receive COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies and medical practices, and children between 6 months and 18 years can receive vaccinations through pediatric providers participating in the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP).

Additionally, these actions ensure that insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccines based on current guidance from DPH, continues unchanged for state-regulated plans. For employers that offer self-funded (ERISA) plans, individuals should confirm their immunization benefits with their plan administrator.

What this means for Connecticut pharmacists and providers

Following these actions, pharmacists in Connecticut may continue to order, prescribe, and administer FDA-approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccines to adults using the most recent CDC administration instructions until the later of 30 days from DCP's notice or the vaccine's inclusion on the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule.

Additionally, pharmacists may continue to vaccinate pursuant to a prescriber's verbal or written prescription, and prescribers may order the vaccine consistent with FDA labeling and prevailing clinical recommendations. Vaccine supply and guidance for children will continue through the Connecticut Vaccine Program and medical homes.

Next steps to bring stability amid uncertainty in the federal government

Looking forward, Governor Lamont and officials within his administration continue to be in frequent communication with public health officials from regional states in the Northeast to coordinate on a collaborative approach to these issues. Additionally, the Lamont administration is researching potential legislative changes that may be needed within state statutes to ensure continued stability in the future, regardless of any potential shifts in positions from the federal government.

For information on how to be vaccinated in Connecticut, residents are encouraged to visit https://www.easyvax.comor speak with their local pharmacy or medical provider.