Lamont Seeks Continued COVID Vaccine Access for Connecticut

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont is pushing back against new federal restrictions on COVID-19 vaccine access. He’s exploring ways to require insurance companies to keep covering vaccines for free—even for younger adults.

This all comes after the Food and Drug Administration decided to limit COVID-19 booster eligibility to people 65 and older, or those with specific health risks. Lamont thinks the move is premature and could create unnecessary financial and logistical hassles for folks in places like Hartford and New Haven, especially if younger adults end up needing prescriptions.

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Federal Changes and Local Concerns

The FDA’s new guidance tightens access to COVID-19 boosters by narrowing who’s eligible. Now, Connecticut residents under 65 without documented risk factors might soon have to pay out-of-pocket and get a prescription for the latest vaccine.

Lamont says this undercuts the progress Connecticut has made in keeping vaccination rates high since the pandemic began.

Questions Around Federal Decision-Making

The change—rolled out under U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—has stirred up criticism. Kennedy’s history of vaccine skepticism hasn’t exactly helped calm concerns.

During a Senate hearing, Kennedy clashed with Senator Elizabeth Warren, who warned the rule could restrict convenient pharmacy access and push costs onto consumers. Lamont agrees, telling residents in towns like Stamford and Waterbury that reliable vaccine access is crucial for public health.

Lamont’s Potential Paths to Action

Lamont is talking with major pharmacy chains, including CVS, to figure out practical solutions. He’s even considering declaring a public health emergency to give himself the legal authority to bypass federal rules and require statewide insurance coverage for COVID-19 vaccines.

Support from Insurers and Neighboring States

The Connecticut Association of Health Plans says it would back Lamont if he pursues broader vaccine coverage. Nearby states aren’t waiting around—Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have both issued executive orders to keep vaccine access free.

Lamont has reached out to these governors to coordinate a consistent regional approach. He thinks this will help folks from Bridgeport to Middletown.

The Public Health Stakes

Since the start of the pandemic, Connecticut has gotten praise for its strong COVID-19 response. Rapid vaccination campaigns in cities like Norwalk and Danbury helped a lot.

Lamont worries that if access drops, so will vaccination rates. That could mean weaker community immunity and a higher risk of outbreaks this winter.

Maintaining Public Confidence

Public health officials warn that mixed messages from federal and state agencies can erode trust. Lamont says the state needs to make it clear that vaccines are safe and effective, especially in areas where local clinics have worked hard on outreach.

He feels insurance coverage shouldn’t block anyone from getting vaccinated.

What This Means for Connecticut Residents

If the state doesn’t act, residents could soon face:

Higher out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 vaccines
Prescription requirements for younger people without risk factors
Fewer pharmacies offering walk-in shots
Reduced vaccine uptake across communities from Greenwich to New Britain

Lamont’s Message to the Public

Lamont urges residents to stay informed. He wants people to talk with their healthcare providers about vaccine options.

He says the state’s top priority is public safety and making sure everyone has fair access to healthcare. Lamont thinks federal policy should support these goals—not make things harder.

Connecticut residents should keep an eye out for possible executive actions or emergency declarations from Lamont’s office in the next few weeks. He’s looking for ways to keep COVID-19 vaccines free and easy to get for everyone, no matter their age.

Whether you’re in Hartford or down by the shoreline in New London, these choices could change how and where you get your next shot.

Here is the source article for this story: Lamont exploring how to maintain COVID vaccine access in CT

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