The state is preparing to vaccinate residents 75 years old and older this week, but federal officials recently announced new changes that could make those 65 years old eligible for the shot. 

Officials say 140,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Connecticut, with 42% of the shots in just the past week.

As of Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont says he would not be adding more groups to Phase 1B, which is set to start later this week.

But on Tuesday, the Connecticut vaccine allocation panel recommended adding those 65 years old to get vaccinated, but only after most 75-year-olds received the vaccine first. 

States are not required to follow the CDC guidelines, but so far, Connecticut has been sticking closely to their recommendations. 

"I tend to think on a personal basis that both the CDC and our allocation committee have it right. Look, I'm in that 65 and over, I can't quarantine very well, but a lot folks in my age group are a little better positioned to be able to quarantine," Lamont says.

Those who fit the criteria for a vaccination can begin registering to receive a vaccination appointment. There's an online appointment system which the state encourages residents to sign up on.

The state plans to set up a telephone appointment system as well for those who do not have access to a computer.

Other people who fall under the phase 1B category will be phased in  in the coming weeks, including people with health risks and front-line essential workers.

Lamont is also encouraging health care workers who may have been on the fence about the vaccine the past few weeks to get to the front of the line.

He says he does not plan to add more vulnerable groups to phase 1B at this point.