265 Church Street, 14th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510
Phone: 203-687-4422
Fax: 475-202-6844
Dear CMG Members,

Essential updates for 02.04.21:
COVID-19 Vaccine Educational Webinar
Thank you to everyone who attended CMG's COVID-19 Vaccine educational webinar with guest speaker Karen Brown, MD. The presentation reviewed COVID-19 vaccine distribution, safety, and patient counseling. If are interested in a copy of the presentation, please contact Genesis Aquino.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Updates from DPH:

Connecticut continues in Phase 1b of the state-wide COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. 

Currently Scheduling:
  • Individuals 75 years of and older

Scheduling Next (likely mid to late February):
  • Individuals between the ages of 65 and 74

Scheduling information coming soon:
  • Front line essential workers (view additional information here)
  • Those with an underlying medical condition with increased risk for severe illness
  • Individuals and staff in congregate settings (view additional information here)

For more information, visit the CT Vaccination Portal.

Update from YNHH:

Patients can schedule online directly here whether they have a MyChart account or not. If they do not have a MyChart account they can register as a guest or set one up.

Direct questions about the vaccine or for help scheduling vaccination call 1-833-ASK-YNHH (275-9644) for assistance.

For MyChart or technical issues, call 475-246-8041 for assistance.
COVID-19 Vaccination Sites
NEW! You and your patients can locate a vaccination site by zip code, click here or visit https://bit.ly/3cgNdGl.
Telemedicine
(Note: This excel sheet is a large file and updated regularly. It may be helpful to download and save the file to your desktop for quick access.)

*This document was last updated on February 4 , 2021.
Public Health Emergency Update
The Acting Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) indicated in a recent letter to state Governors that the Department intends to extend the declaration of a Public Health Emergency (PHE) through at least the end of 2021. In addition, the Acting Secretary indicated in the letter that the Department will provide states a 60-day notice prior to the termination of the PHE declaration. For more information, view the full letter from the Acting Health & Human Services Secretary. 
Interesting Reads
  • While experts say wearing a cloth mask is better than wearing no mask at all, some say it's time for Americans to ditch the less-effective masks in favor of masks that offer better protection. Check out this article published by Advisory Board, 'Is it time to ditch your cloth mask- and replace it with something better?.' to see what the public health experts have to say.

  • Health care workers have been working in extended crisis mode for nearly a year—and that strain has created a new type of exhaustion that leaders must find a way to balance, Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg writes for Harvard Business Review. Click here to read her three tips on ways leaders can "find the mental strength to lead through the last mile" of the pandemic. 
Weekly CDC and DPH Update
Please see today's summary from the CDC and DPH here. 
Information you may have missed:
COVID Vaccine Volunteer Opportunities
YNHH is looking for volunteers to assist with COVID vaccine administration. Current medical staff and other licensed providers can register to volunteer to assist with vaccine clinics. Please see the attached letter explaining the process as well as detailed instructions for registering here.
COVID-19 resources and links