First Selectman Dan Rosenthal has announced that qualified residents under the "1B" category can now register on the municipal website for the COVID-19 vaccine.

In the text of a Code Red message provided to The Newtown Bee late Tuesday afternoon, Rosenthal said he was pleased to be able to contact residents "with promising news for a change."

"The Town of Newtown and the Newtown Health District are working with the State and other public health partners to roll out the vaccination effort according to the statewide vaccine distribution strategy," the message states. "While the parameters are unfolding quickly and may be subject to change, we know that phase 1B will include our residents who are over the age of 75."

Rosenthal said, as such, for those who qualify, a pre-registration form has been added to the Town website with a red banner that states Vaccine Pre Registration for 75 Years Old and Up.

"If you are 75 or older and do not have internet access please call the Senior Center at 203-270-4310 and they will assist you," he said. "Of course, all responses will be treated as confidential."

He said town health officials plan to use this information to inform residents of when vaccination appointments will be available, which are not likely until sometime next week at the earliest.

"Unfortunately, the State has also indicated that vaccine allocations will likely be limited for several weeks. As a result, at least initially, we will likely prioritize our older residents," the first selectman said.

"We also expect that the State and other providers may also send out registration and appointment opportunities and you should avail yourself to them as well if you choose," he added. "As vaccine eligibility and availability expands, we will make updates to the town website and I will make additional CODE RED calls as necessary.

"I’m sure, like me, you are probably frustrated trying to process the amount of information that is circulating in the national and state media and even based on what you may be hearing from friends in other towns," Rosenthal empathized. "It’s anxiety producing to say the least. Please rest assured that we do our best to keep you properly informed and we will see this process through."

Qualified residents can register now by CLICKING HERE.