Connecticut is accelerating the age-based COVID-19 vaccine rollout due to a state increase of vaccinations, Gov. Ned Lamont announced. 

The announcement was made Monday during the governor's press briefing. 

The biggest shift is for the 16 to 44 age group, which will be able to sign up almost a month earlier than planned.

That date is still tentative, but officials are planning for April 5. Those in the 45 to 54 age group will also be able to sign up a few days earlier - March 19 instead of March 22.

Officials say the announcement shows that the somewhat controversial decisions to make age the main criteria has been working.

Not only will health care providers have discretion when it comes to prioritizing people with illnesses that make them vulnerable, the Department of Developmental Services will also have designated clinics for people with special needs.