Vt. to remove residency requirement for vaccination

The Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Later this week, non-residents visiting Vermont will be able to sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the state.

Vermont will remove its residency requirement for the vaccine on Thursday, which was announced at Tuesday's state press briefing. The state is taking appointments for those 12 and older, though the 12-15 age group can have only the Pfizer doses. Individuals ages 12-17 must have parental consent, officials emphasized Tuesday. If coming to a walk-in vaccination site, those individuals must arrive at their appointments with a parent or guardian, and with the necessary forms completed and signed. If a child at a school-based clinic forgets their consent forms, the school will often reach out to the parent or guardian by phone to obtain consent, officials noted.

As of Tuesday morning, more than 9,000 Vermonters ages 12-15 had signed up for vaccination, after that age group became eligible last Thursday. The state continues to add clinics, and this week, there are over 31 vaccination sites at local emergency services buildings around Vermont. That's in recognition of Emergency Medical Services Week, which Gov. Phil Scott declared to honor the emergency services personnel that serve communities in the Green Mountains.

At Tuesday's press conference, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said emergency services personnel have been an "exceptional partner" throughout the pandemic, including helping homebound Vermonters get vaccinated, setting up mobile clinics, and helping with COVID-19 testing sites.

"They play a critical role in our communities every day, and their response in this pandemic has been remarkable," Smith said.

Gov. Phil Scott also thanked emergency services crews in the state, and said one of the best ways to show gratitude to them is to get vaccinated.

"Their commitment to our communities and their willingness to serve represents the best of Vermont," Scott said.

Also this week, school-based vaccination clinics began around Vermont, and over 100 of these are scheduled. These clinics are open to any eligible students, their family members and also the wider public.

— Gareth Henderson

Check out healthvermont.gov/myvaccine to make an appointment or learn more, or call 855-722-7878.