COVID-19 News & Support

Information about COVID-19, vaccines, and booster shots.

September 28, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official Connecticut COVID-19 Vaccine Portal page.

Find a Vaccine Location Frequently Asked Questions

 

Booster Shots

CDC recommends that everyone ages 16 years and older get a booster shot after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. You are eligible for a booster at 5 months after completing Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, 6 months after completing Moderna primary series, and 2 months after the initial J&J/Janssen vaccine. Individuals ages 16-17 are only eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit the CDC website for up-to-date information.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety
Dr. Seema Yasmin answers 3 common questions about COVID-19 vaccine safety, side effects, and risks.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Take a step inside the McFarland Clinic in Iowa and hear from the patients themselves how they feel about getting the vaccine.

 

 

News Sources

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19
Get up-to-date news on COVID-19, vaccines, variants, and more, from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Connecticut COVID-19 Response
Up-to-date information on Connecticut’s COVID-19 response.

Vaccines & Us
The Smithsonian’s Vaccines & Us project offers easy-to-understand resources for COVID-19 science, vaccines, and explaining COVID to kids.

 

Scams and Myths

Misinformation about COVID-19 is spreading nearly as fast as the virus itself. Here’s how to avoid falling victim to misinformation:

  • Avoid knee-jerk reactions. Often, all it takes is a moment of reflection to realize something is questionable, too good to be true, or just trying to make people angry.
  • Avoid confirmation bias. It’s easier to trust information that agrees with what you already believe—but that doesn’t mean the information is true.
  • Avoid ‘miracle’ or ‘secret’ cures. These fake cures will not protect you from COVID-19, and may actually make you sick. Be suspicious of products that claim to be a quick fix for all sorts of diseases, and remember that personal stories (even if you hear them on television or radio) are not a substitute for scientific evidence. If you are not sure what to believe, check with a medical doctor or ask a librarian for help finding trustworthy information.
  • Seek information from multiple trusted sources. Trusted sources like the CDC and Johns Hopkins University provide information that is supported by scientific evidence and expert knowledge.
  • Don’t rely on word-of-mouth info. Facebook and Twitter posts are not reliable, even if they are coming from people you know and trust. Just like a virus, misinformation can be spread by good people, friends and family, even if they have the best intentions.

Coronavirus Advice for Consumers
A quick list of scams and other warnings from the FTC.

FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control
Heard a rumor but not sure if it’s true? Check here.

The Coronavirus Collection: Prevention and Treatments
An excellent source to help you identify false medical information.

A Guide to Our Coronavirus Coverage
Fact-check the latest news stories about COVID-19.

Politifact Coronavirus Coverage
How true is that quote from your favorite (or least favorite) celebrity, politician, or your aunt on Facebook? Find the truth here.

Beware of Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests, Vaccines and Treatments
Products that fraudulently claim to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent COVID-19 might be dangerous to you and your family. Here are some tips to help you spot these fraudulent products.

 

How to Spot Fake News
Learn how to identify misinformation, verify whether the news you’re seeing is really true, and what to do afterwards. Presented by Anne Henriques at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library.

 

 

Maps

CDC Data Tracker
Find maps and charts tracking cases, deaths, and trends of COVID-19 in the United States, updated daily by 8:00 pm.

Real-time COVID-19 Map
Johns Hopkins University gathers data from the WHO, CDC, national government health departments, local media reports, and more, for a detailed global map.

 

Understanding the Pandemic

What is this whole “social distancing” thing, and why is it so important? Should I be worried? Do I need a mask? Here are the best articles we’ve found to explain some of the issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

#CoronaVirus Infographic
These pretty, easy-to-read charts help put the COVID-19 pandemic in perspective.

Coronavirus Simulator
This fantastic interactive page uses easy-to-understand simulations to show how viruses spread, and how quarantine and social distancing work.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Statistics and Research
If you’re looking to dive deep into the data, this is for you!

 

How to Explain COVID-19 to Children

Vaccines & Us Tools and Resources
Videos and articles for talking to your kids about the virus.

#COVIBOOK
A downloadable book available in multiple languages that supports and reassures children under the age of 7.

10 Tips For Talking About the Coroanvirius with Your Kids
Tips from PBS Newshour.

 

Safety

How to Protect Yourself
An easy checklist with simple steps that will greatly decrease your chances of getting sick.

Symptoms of Coronavirus
Learn how to recognize COVID-19.

What To Do if You Are Sick
Advice on how to keep yourself and others safe. If you experience trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or inability to wake up, or bluish lips/face, get medical attention right away.

Staying Safe During COVID-19from the National Domestic Violence Hotline
For any victims and survivors who need support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is there for you, 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

 

Taxes & economic impact payments

Coronavirus Tax Relief from the IRS
Get the latest news about taxes and economic impact payments.

Covid-19 Economic Relief from the U.S. Treasury Department
The latest information about assistance for families, workers, small businesses, government, and industry.

 

Employment Resources

Connecticut Department of Labor
Assistance with unemployment and other labor services.

Frequently Asked Questions for Workers and Employers
The Department of Labor has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Connecticut workers and employers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The FAQ is regularly updated and provides information on unemployment insurance, paid sick leave, wages and hours, and other employment-related issues.

Connecticut 211
Community services for food, mental health, healthcare, housing, transportation, income, and utility assistance.

JobNow
Get live job coaching, resume assistance, basic computer training, help with your job search, and more.

Workers and Emploees
Resources from the Connecticut Department of Labor.

 

Businesses & Farms

Business Resources
Connecticut business resources from the State of Connecticut, including COVID-19 business resources.

COVID-19 Relief Options
Resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration, including several loan options.

Resources for Agricultural Industry
Local farmers, check this page for updates and information from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, including the AFT Farmer Relief Fund and guidelines for online ordering/delivery.

 

Mental Health & Wellness

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or are suffering for any reason, please don’t hesitate to use these mental health services.

Berlin Crisis Hotline: 860-747-8719
National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Substance Abuse / Mental Health Helpline: 1‑877‑726‑4727
Addiction Help: 1-800-563-4086

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides round-the-clock free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-779-4889 (Deaf or hard of hearing). Para servicio en español, llame al 1-888-628-9454.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
This Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to COVID-19 and emergencies. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. TTY 1-800-846-8517.

 

Food Security

Connecticut Foodshare
Connecticut Foodshare partners with community programs across the state to ensure that our neighbors have access to the help they need.

211 Food Programs & Services
Comprehensive, up-to-date information on food programs and services from Connecticut 211.

Food Resources
A list of resources provided by the Department of Children and Families.

 

Housing & Tenants Rights

Anyone in Connecticut who is in immediate need of shelter should dial 2-1-1 for shelter options.

Homeowners and Renters
Updates and information taken by state and federal government to help protect homeowners and renters impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Find Housing
Visit this website to find low income/subsidized, Rental Deposit Assistance, public housing, and more.

CT Housing Search
Listings of affordable rental housing can be searched by location, number of bedrooms, rent range, proximity to public transit, accessibility for people with disabilities, and other criteria. Funded by the state Dept. of Social Services.