Data trends hopeful amid pandemic, officials say
A hillside scene by Stage Road in Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Positive data trends continued in Vermont and nationwide as vaccination efforts advanced into a new age group in the state this week.
On Tuesday, Vermonters age 70 and older became eligible for COVID-19 vaccination appointments. On the same day, Gov. Phil Scott learned that Vermont’s vaccine allotment would increase by about 2,500 doses per week starting next week — part of an additional 2.5 million doses being rolled out nationwide.
It also appeared the vaccination effort so far is helping the state's numbers continue to improve. The seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases among 75+ age group has decreased from an average of 10 cases per day one month ago, to an average of about 3 cases per day now. Hospitalizations and deaths from the virus are on the decline here and across the country, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may get FDA emergency approval by month's end. But Scott said following health guidance is still critical to moving forward, even amid this good news.
"I encourage Vermonters to not let up, meaning follow the health guidance: Wear a mask, keep your distance and avoid crowds," Scott said at Tuesday's state press briefing.
The governor also said the CDC has issued new quarantine guidance for those who have been fully vaccinated, including what's required if someone is a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or traveling. Given that, Scott said the state is working out some changes to its public health guidance.
"This will be very narrow at first, but we hope to announce changes at Friday's briefing that will allow more mobility for Vermonters," Scott said. "So, stay tuned for that."
As of Tuesday at 11 a.m., over 11,000 Vermonters age 70 and older had registered to receive the vaccine. That's about one-third of that whole age group. Human Services Secretary Mike Smith urged people to be patient during the influx of phone calls from newly eligible Vermonters, and he asked anyone who can to register online.
"Things have been going well, but please be patient as call volumes are higher than normal," Smith said.
During Tuesday, all the state's vaccination sites were open during the ongoing stormy weather, with the exception of the UVM Medical Center's site at the Champlain Valley Expo grounds. Smith said UVM opted to close the site, and any Tuesday appointments were to be rescheduled for times within a week. Another vaccination clinic for that area was added for Saturday, he noted.
As of Tuesday, 78,200 Vermonters have been vaccinated against COVID-19, according to state data. Vermonters age 75 and older became eligible for the vaccine late last month — 51% of people in that group have received their first dose, and many have appointments coming up.
Nearly 850 homebound Vermonters have also received their first dose of vaccine, Smith said. Now, the state is trying to reach out to homebound Vermonters who are not easily identified through home-health agencies, he explained. Smith said the state will continue outreach to hospitals and primary care offices to help locate those individuals.
"We want to extend our deepest appreciation to the many partners that have assisted us and continue to support a successful vaccination program across our state," Smith said.
— Gareth Henderson
Editor’s note: For clarification, within the state’s vaccination plan, Vermonters age 75 and older are in Phase 2 of the plan, and those in the 70+ age group are in Phase 3.
