FDA authorizes booster of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Federal officials have authorized a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with a focus on several higher-risk groups. 

On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the booster is for people in three specific groups, at least six months after receiving the standard two doses of the vaccine. They are: people age 65 or older; ages 18-64 and at high risk of severe COVID-19; and ages 18-64 and at high risk of the virus due to “frequent institutional or occupational exposure”. 

The FDA decision amended the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine's emergency use authorization. Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock noted the context of the decision. 

“This pandemic is dynamic and evolving, with new data about vaccine safety and effectiveness becoming available every day,” Woodcock said in a statement. “As we learn more about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, including the use of a booster dose, we will continue to evaluate the rapidly changing science and keep the public informed.”

Before the booster is made available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its advisers still have to detail who should receive the extra shot, according to The Washington Post. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to make its recommendation on Thursday. After full approval, the booster is expected to be available at pharmacies and some doctor’s offices as soon as this week, the Post reported. 

States have been gearing up to prepare for this approval, including Vermont. At Tuesday’s state press conference, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said registration for Pfizer booster shots should start the day after they receive full approval.

“We have been actively planning for those that may qualify for boosters, making some assumptions so that we could be ready when approval comes through,” Smith said. 

All this comes as the nation continues to face the Delta variant of COVID-19, however recent statistics show that cases are beginning to come down in some western and southern states where cases skyrocketed at the beginning of the Delta wave, according to data announced at Tuesday’s Vermont press conference. That trend has not yet hit New England, Vermont officials said Tuesday. 

Statewide, 87.4% of Vermonters had received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, as of Tuesday, and over 78% were fully vaccinated. Though Vermont’s hospitalizations due to the virus have trended upward in the past week, officials said Vermont continues to have the fewest COVID hospitalizations of any U.S. state.

— Gareth Henderson

Update (9/23/21): The state has issued an update at this link about starting initial Pfizer booster shots on Friday, Sept. 24, as well as details about availability in the coming weeks.

Update (9/24/21): Following this morning’s announcement from CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., the state will expand eligibility for booster shots to people aged 18 to 64 with underlying medical conditions on Friday, Oct. 1. It is anticipated these conditions will be more specifically defined by the CDC later today.

President requires vaccines for 100M American workers

President Joe Biden announced new vaccine mandates for as many as 100 million American workers, two-thirds of the nation’s workforce, on Thursday. 

Under the new rules, companies with over 100 workers must require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly tests — that’s estimated to affect about 80 million people. Full vaccination is also required for workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid, as well as federal executive branch employees and contractors that work for the U.S. government, according to The Associated Press. 

These new requirements are part of a national plan by the Biden administration to stem the rise in COVID-19 cases and increase vaccination rates. The mandate already faces stern criticism from some lawmakers and union leaders, while others praised the move Thursday night. Biden’s order for executive branch employees and contractors has exceptions for those seeking religious or medical exemptions, the AP reported. 

More than 177 million Americans are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but confirmed cases recently rose to an average of about 140,000 per day with on average about 1,000 deaths, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The federal change came just a day after a new vaccine rule was announced for Vermont state employees. Effective Sept. 15, all state of Vermont executive branch employees will be required to attest they are vaccinated, or be subject to at least weekly testing and mandatory masking at work, as announced at a Wednesday press conference. This comes after a vaccine requirement went into place on Sept. 1 for state employees working in prisons and other state-run residential facilities. 

Currently, Vermont’s state government employs over 8,000 people. Leadership of the Vermont State Employees Association says most of the workers they represent approve of the Scott administration’s new requirement, the AP reported, though the union and state have some details to work out. 

Vermont adjusts masking guidance for schools

This week, Vermont also updated its public health advisory for schools, which almost all local school districts have followed since the school year began recently. 

Originally, the state recommended that masks be required for all students for the first 10 days of school, allowing that masking rules can be lifted when 80% of a school’s students age 12 and over have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. On Wednesday, state officials asked that school masking requirements stay in place until October 4, regardless of the school’s vaccination rate.  

“We hope by then the Delta wave that has impacted the entire country — though fortunately not anywhere near as severely in Vermont — will have begun to subside,” Scott told the media Wednesday. 

In recent weeks, some have urged the governor to reinstall a state of emergency and bring back a statewide mask mandate. Scott has said there isn’t a need to do so currently, and in his Wednesday remarks, he noted that all schools except for one have implemented masking requirements. The Canaan School Board voted 5-0 last month to not require masks. 

“By encouraging schools to implement the state’s recommendations, we’ve essentially achieved a universal masking requirement in schools, without a state of emergency (order),” Scott said.

Under the state’s recommendations, it’s asking that all students under 12 continue to wear masks at school until they become eligible for the vaccine. A COVID-19 vaccine for children under age 12 is expected to receive federal emergency use authorization later in October, experts say. The approvals could come in waves for smaller groups within that age range, NBC5 reported.

According to Vermont Public Radio, state officials want to understand more about how the virus is circulating through communities before they encourage schools to lift mask mandates. In Vermont, more than 1,000 tested positive for COVID in the past week, VPR reported. However, state officials are encouraged that cases in Chittenden County have trended downward in the past seven days, as reported at Wednesday’s press conference.

In a bid to increase vaccination, the Vermont Agency of Education is reserving $2 million in grant dollars for schools who receive high vaccination rates. The Scott administration is still finalizing details for the school vaccine incentive program.

The state is continuing to offer school-based vaccination clinics throughout Vermont in collaboration with local district officials.

Statewide, the rate of eligible Vermonters with at least one dose of the vaccine is 86.7% as of Thursday.

— Gareth Henderson

How far we’ve come

Kat Wright and The Indomitable Soul Band perform at the Community Heroes Concert last Friday at the East End Park in Woodstock, Vt. From left are Leon Campos, Kat Wright, Phil Rodriguez, Josh Weinstein and Bob Wagner. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

After we’ve completed a great accomplishment, one often looks back in awe, and says, “Wow, I did that.’” 

The greater Woodstock region had such a moment last Friday at the Community Heroes Concert, organized by Pentangle Arts, as it celebrated the work so many did over the past 18 months to help the community during the pandemic. It was special, and also moving, to thoughtfully consider what was accomplished and honor the sacrifices people made, week after week, amid the uncertainty of 2020. 

The heartfelt moments of the past year and half were many, and Sherry Sousa, WCSU superintendent in Woodstock, remembered when students and parents held a parade in Woodstock Village to thank the educators for their long hours during the pandemic. Educators were on the Green, as the parade graced the village.

“That moved us in so many ways, and teachers were in tears,” Sousa said in her remarks at the Friday concert, addressing well over 200 people. “So we met today as a full faculty for the first time, in the auditorium with our masks on, and I will tell you, your teachers are ready for you to arrive, and we are ready to be in school full time, and we can’t wait to have everyone back on Wednesday.” 

From left: Jill Davies of the Woodstock Area Relief Fund; Beth Robinson, grants coordinator for the Ottauquechee Health Foundation; WCSU Superintendent Sherry Sousa; Deanna Jones, executive director of the Thompson Senior Center; and Dr. Claire Drebitko of the Ottauquechee Health Center. Farthest to the right, Alita Wilson, executive director of Pentangle Arts, announces the speakers. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

That Wednesday, that first day of school, is now arriving in Woodstock. And it’s a testament to the progress made during this life-changing time of the pandemic. Teachers, first responders, grocery store clerks, health care workers, municipal staff, volunteers, and countless others all played a role in getting us to this proud moment. 

In her remarks on Friday, Dr. Claire Drebitko, a local pediatrician at the Ottauquechee Health Center, thanked community members for following public health protocols over the past year and getting vaccinated. 

“I think I speak for everyone at the Health Center, when I say we have felt incredibly grateful to this community for doing such a wonderful job of taking care of one another,” Drebitko said. 

Deanna Jones, executive director of the Thompson Senior Center, noted “the community stepped forward in so many ways” to help seniors over the past 18 months.

Helping each other was a continuous theme throughout Friday evening, including after Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band took to the stage. Wright, who’s lived in Vermont for 12 years, thanked everyone for being there for their neighbors and the community. 

“I don’t think we’ve ever been more proud to be from Vermont than during the past year and a half,” she told the crowd. 

Part of the crowd at the Community Heroes Concert in Woodstock. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Many of us share that sentiment when looking at how Vermont responded to the slew of challenges the pandemic brought, including those who moved to ease the towering economic burden businesses and individuals faced. Along those lines: For the Woodstock Area Relief Fund formed last year, 46 volunteers and hundreds of donors gave their support to raise funds for individuals and families struggling financially during the pandemic. Over $820,000 was raised and given to over 240 families and individuals, said Jill Davies, one of the fund’s organizers.

Throughout Vermont, even as the crisis deepened, more and more stories of community support came out. We all have a story about how we’ve helped someone, and been helped, during this unprecedented time in our lives. As 2021 continues, we’ll undoubtedly keep looking back — there’s always more to learn, and it’s important to consider the lessons we carry forward. In many ways, this period of time has supplied us with awareness of struggles we hadn’t known about before, some of which happen daily. In some aspects, we’ve also learned about ways we can help others.  

Speaking to Friday’s crowd, Beth Robinson, grants coordinator for the Ottauquechee Health Foundation, spoke about working with the Woodstock Community Food Shelf, the Thompson Senior Center and others to get assistance to those in need. However, Robinson pointed out that there’s always a need for this help: 

“Before you leave tonight, just keep this thought in your mind: There are people in our communities, every day of every year, who need our help. So keep your eyes and ears open.”

Though a huge amount of progress has been made against the pandemic, we’ll still need each other in the coming weeks and months. Financial impacts loom large, individuals and businesses face challenges, and the colder months will eventually arrive. We must remain aware of opportunities to help our neighbors, and act on them. The more we continue that work, the more our communities will benefit.

— Gareth Henderson

The Eames Brothers were the opening band at last Friday’s concert. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Community Heroes Concert set for Friday in Woodstock

The Community Heroes Concert will be held at Woodstock’s East End Park on Friday, starting at 5 p.m. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

When the pandemic first arrived in Vermont, no one knew what would happen, but Vermont communities met this new challenge with perseverance and putting their neighbors first. This Friday, Aug. 27, a concert in Woodstock is celebrating the constant efforts of so many individuals, nonprofits and essential workers who helped the community survive the past 18 months. 

The Community Heroes Concert, organized by Pentangle Arts, takes place at the East End Park. The music begins at 5 p.m. with the opening act of The Eames Brothers and features Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band from 6 to 8 p.m. At about 5:45 p.m., local workers, groups and individuals will be recognized and some will share remarks. The concert is free with a suggested $10 donation.

For those on the front lines of the community’s response to COVID-19, the memories of having to quickly reorganize, learn brand new health protocols and proceed into a new and uncertain reality remain fresh in thought. 

Deanna Jones, executive director of the Thompson Senior Center, recalled the rapid effort to arrange contactless meal delivery to seniors, as well as their curbside service, after the senior center closed to all in-person programs. But they also delivered medical equipment and prescription drugs to seniors, and also added a shop-and-delivery grocery service. 

A major theme was people helping the senior center, and quickly. Right off the bat, over 40 people volunteered as new delivery drivers, and over 100 people volunteered to support essential services for seniors. Jones said it’s hard to express the profound inspiration from seeing the community respond so quickly to help during the pandemic.

“I just can’t imagine anything in my career previously or in the future that would be more moving or fulfilling,” Jones said.  

From March 2020, the senior center had seven delivery routes (at its peak), an increase of more than 2,500 Meals on Wheels, and provided a total of over 20,000 meals. Jones said the staff and volunteers showed an incredible level of dedication through all the challenges. 

“It’s just amazing to see how people come forward, and especially the staff, too. They just put the Thompson’s mission so high up on their priority list,” she said. “Even when they would've loved to be home, they were still there. It’s just so incredible to be a part of.” 

David Green, Woodstock’s fire chief and health officer, said he and his fellow first responders would help check on community members isolated at home. Any request for help was amply met — which is normal, he said, for this region. 

“Woodstock and actually all of Vermont are very outstanding in helping their neighbors in times of need,” Green said. “I put calls out, like, ‘I need groceries delivered to this house.’ And I got 60 responses within minutes.” 

Helping to make deliveries, Green and his colleagues got a chance to interact with people and gauge how they were doing. 

“Most people were pretty resilient. They didn't like being locked down, they didn't like wearing a mask, but they all made it through,” he said. “Hopefully we don't have to again." 

From the start, Green said one of the biggest changes for his department was following the strict health guidelines around how to interact with patients. Those are rules they’re still following now, he added. 

In March 2020, delivering meals to students also became a great need. Gretchen Czaja is the school nutrition program director for the WCUUSD, the school district serving Woodstock, Barnard, Bridgewater, Reading, Pomfret, Killington and Plymouth. When school shut down and went remote due to the pandemic, the district-wide food service team had a week to consolidate operations into the Woodstock Union High School kitchen, create a menu, and make a delivery plan. 

From March to June 2020, district staff distributed 250-300 meals per day to students district wide. Along with the food, however, they delivered familiarity — a chance for the students to see, from a distance, the people they’d usually see in their school days. 

“It did help to keep some kind of normalcy in their school day,” Czaja said. “At one point we were getting thank-you notes and signs they would leave outside, saying how much they were enjoying the food.”  

Most of the students who received deliveries were receiving free and reduced-price lunch. The federal government eventually instated universal free meals, and the district’s food program was able to provide curbside meals during the summer of 2020. In the holidays, Czaja and her team put together food boxes with holiday meals to deliver for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The universal free meals are continuing into this year, Czaja said.

The high school was also a site sponsor for Veggie Van Go, a statewide Vermont Foodbank program delivering produce for free, which went curbside during the pandemic and added key items like milk and eggs. 

“We were able to have a great number of volunteers to help load people’s cars with food,” Czaja said.

She also noted the efforts of local community partners working to reduce hunger, such as the Woodstock Community Food Shelf and the Ottauquechee Health Foundation. 

“This community is amazing, the way people step up,” Czaja said.

From helping seniors to other community efforts, the younger generations also had a role in the COVID response. Over this past winter, the nonprofit Change the World Kids, which provides service opportunities for local youth, joined with Ken Woodhead and the Soup Kit Project to deliver warm soup to seniors and families in the cold months. Adi Wilson, a high school senior this year in Woodstock, and about 10 of her fellow students participated and worked in shifts to help make the soup and deliver it.

With the group’s Anti-Cabin Fever Dinner called off, Wilson said the soup deliveries were a great way the students could help their neighbors. 

“It seemed to be the best way we could help the community in a safe way and also make that connection through food,” she said. “It was so nice to be able to connect with the community again. It was the first time I had done that in months.”

— Gareth Henderson

Governor shares vaccine news, reiterates school guidance

The flag at Woodstock Union High School & Middle School campus. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

With the new school year starting this month, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott shared some vaccine news and repeated the state’s recommendations for schools. 

Coming from a weekly governors’ call with the White House, Scott learned that clinical trials are going well for the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 2-11. He said Pfizer will be able to submit their application for emergency use authorization as soon as early or mid-September. 

He also noted the recent news that Pfizer just received full federal approval for its current vaccine. The full approval applies to those age 16 and older, though the Pfizer vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization for individuals 12 through 15 years of age (read more details here).

Scott said many who haven’t been vaccinated have expressed concern that the vaccine was approved only under emergency authorization. The governor hoped the new Pfizer status might make a difference. 

“So, if you’ve been on the fence, I hope this news will help inspire you to join well over 400,000 of your fellow Vermonters and get vaccinated,” Scott said at a Tuesday press briefing. 

To date, 85.6% of eligible Vermonters have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 76.4% are fully vaccinated. 

Scott reiterated the state’s health guidance for schools, that masks be required for all students of all ages at the start of the year. For students under 12, the state is asking all school districts to mandate masking for them until vaccines are available and they’re fully vaccinated. These are recommendations, as the state can’t mandate masking requirements without implementing a state of emergency. It removed all state restrictions and the state of emergency in mid-June. 

Scott noted how important it is for kids to return to a five-day, in-person learning schedule, as they’re about to do. He said the state released its health recommendations weeks ago to give schools time to plan at the local level. 

“We believe this common-sense approach will allow our kids to get back on track and make up some of the lost ground in a safe and productive way,” Scott said.  

Officials said the health department will support schools with contact tracing services if needed, just like they did during the prior school year. Heather Boucher, the state’s deputy secretary of education, said Vermont is “starting from a good place” thanks to everyone’s efforts over the past year, including people getting vaccinated. As both an educator and a parent, Boucher said she appreciated the great value in in-person school for students’ educational development, and so the kids can see their friends. 

“We’re hearing from educators, parents and community members that students are excited to return to school with less worry and restrictions than there were last year, and I just want to say, I’m profoundly grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this possible,” Boucher said. 

— Gareth Henderson

Governor clarifies school masking recommendation

A scene along Route 12 in Woodstock, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont’s governor has clarified recent public health guidance for schools regarding masking. 

On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott said he wanted to “clear up some misinformation” around the state's new guidance, and he emphasized that masks are included.

“When schools open, we’re asking all students, all teachers, and all school employees to wear masks for the first two to three weeks of school,” Scott said at a press conference. “They should stay required for all those not yet eligible for the vaccine; that means kids under 12.” 

The state recommends lifting this masking requirement only when 80% of a school’s eligible population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The mask rule should remain in place for unvaccinated people, the governor added, and federal law requires everyone to wear a mask when riding a school bus. 

The state’s top recommendation is for more people to get vaccinated, and the state continues to announce a number of school-based vaccination clinics throughout Vermont. To date, over 85% of vaccine-eligible Vermonters have received their first dose, and the state has the lowest COVID hospitalization rate in the country.

Scott said anyone who has concerns about the vaccine should “talk to a trusted medical professional, not Facebook.” 

“I’m confident we can keep moving forward, but we need everyone pulling in the same direction, and we’re not going to do it blindly,” Scott said. “We’ve always watched the data, and we’ve done what’s best for Vermonters.”

Cases are growing nationally and regionally, however the rate of growth has been steadily declining in the past three weeks, according to Michael Pieciak, Vermont’s commissioner of financial regulation, who tracks COVID data for the state. He said this hopeful trend is occurring in Vermont as well. Though Vermont’s cases climbed by 41% this week, the case growth was about half of what it was last week, Pieciak noted. 

“We anticipate that cases will continue to slow and eventually decrease in the coming weeks,” he said.

— Gareth Henderson

Vermont lifts all statewide pandemic restrictions

A view from Fletcher Hill Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Effective immediately, Vermont has lifted all remaining statewide pandemic restrictions, as over 80% of eligible Vermonters are now vaccinated against COVID-19.

Gov. Phil Scott made the announcement Monday morning, noting Vermont is the first state in the nation to vaccinate over 80% of its 12-and-over population. He said lifting the statewide rules is now safe to do, because Vermonters have consistently worked hard to limit spread of the virus, including getting immunized.

“Again, not only do we lead the United States, but Vermont is now a global leader in vaccinations to defeat COVID-19,” Scott said. “Our state has shown the world what’s possible when you have a group of people with the right attitude following the data and trusting medical science.”

Due to this change at the state level, the Woodstock Village mask ordinance is now suspended.

Across the state, Vermont businesses that wish to do so can maintain rules such as mask-wearing within their stores. The governor also noted that some individuals may have “their own legitimate reasons to remain cautious.”

"As I’ve said, that’s natural, and it’s OK,” he said. “I hope all Vermonters show compassion and respect for one another, including businesses choosing to keep some requirements in place, while they wait for all their employees to do the right thing and get vaccinated.”

The state of emergency expires at midnight, but on Tuesday Scott plans to sign off on some changes to the executive order, to maintain several related programs that are still needed. More details will be released Tuesday.

Going forward, Vermont will continue to make the COVID-19 vaccine available at different sites around the state. At Monday’s press conference, Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said there is still much work to be done to maintain the high level of protection Vermont has achieved against the virus.

“We will continue getting as many Vermonters vaccinated as possible, to keep this protection as strong as we can,” Levine said. “We will continue to keep watching our data closely and act accordingly.”

He added that the state and its partners will continue to work hard to help and provide guidance to those who can’t get vaccinated for health reasons.

Levine also pointed out that the state is preparing for the time a vaccine is approved for use in children under age 12, which may be as soon as this fall.

“I’m already collaborating with my pediatric colleagues, so that we will be ready to get parents and caregivers the information they need, and to deliver the vaccine in as many appropriate settings as possible,” he said.

Scott closed his remarks by noting the state’s response to COVID-19 continues a tradition of leading the nation in tough times.

“On the first day of the Battle in Gettysburg, General Sedgwick knew enough about our character and courage to send the order, ‘Put the Vermonters ahead,’” Scott said. “157 years later, we again showed that when the nation is in need of leadership and hope; when America needs to find its path forward to solve problems and help people; when in dark times, and our country needs a state to light the way; Vermonters will always step forward and lead the charge.” 

— Gareth Henderson

Traditions keep returning

People enjoy the Thompson Senior Center’s first in-person lunch in over a year on Tuesday. (Deanna Jones Photo)

A good meal and conversation is one of the favorite pastimes at the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, Vermont, and that tradition returned Tuesday after more than a year of no dining inside at the community hub. 

It was reopening day for the center, and the daily lunch in the dining room started up again, by reservation. Ten guests and four staff members enjoyed the meal together. 

"It was just nice to see people again," said Deanna Jones, the center's executive director. "They've been waiting. 'Finally, the day has come', is what I kept hearing." 

New tables and chairs graced the room, thanks to recent fundraising, and fresh paint and a new floor completed the dining room's new look. Through the month of June, lunch is Monday-Thursday 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Curbside lunch pick-up is still available this month.

Also through June, people will be asked to wear masks into the senior center, which they can then remove once they sit down to their meal or activity. There's a hand sanitizing station at the door, and health-screening questions will be asked via computer. 

Some people, especially if they live far away, may continue to take part in bingo or other events by phone — and that option will be there in a hybrid model.

"We'll still keep these things virtual so that people are engaged," Jones said. 

In Woodstock, this reopening was further proof of a state's progress toward normalcy. At nearly 78% of eligible Vermonters vaccinated against COVID-19, the state is that much closer to meeting its goal of 80%, at which time the state will lift all pandemic restrictions. Gov. Phil Scott said Vermont is “days away” from hitting that mark. 

Also at Tuesday’s press conference, Scott noted the many positive impacts of the vaccine, including the fact that Vermont is the only state with no COVID-related deaths reported in the past two weeks. Also, the state had three hospitalizations due to the virus as of Tuesday morning — a six-month low for Vermont. 

But the governor emphasized “we’re not resting on our laurels,” saying the state continues to make efforts to get the vaccine to as many people as possible. This week, there are over 100 walk-in vaccine clinics statewide, one of them taking place in Woodstock this Thursday, June 3. That clinic, which offers the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is at the Woodstock Inn’s administrative building parking lot, located at 9 Cross Street from 1 to 3 p.m. 

On Tuesday, Courtney Lowe, vice president of marketing and business development at the Woodstock Inn & Resort, said the inn hosted a clinic on May 14 and asked for — and received — this chance to hold another one. Walk-in opportunities have been a key part of improving access to the vaccine, officials have said. 

“The convenience factor has proven effective in the state, so we are delighted to make it easier for our employees and community to be able to access the vaccine right here in the Village,” Lowe said. 

Check out this link for the latest on Vermont’s vaccination progress.

— Gareth Henderson

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.

Woodstock Village mask ordinance amended to align with state

The Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In the Village of Woodstock, people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer have to wear masks indoors or outdoors, or stay socially distanced from others. 

At a special meeting held on Zoom, the Woodstock Village Trustees unanimously voted Monday evening to make this change, in accordance with the state of Vermont’s amendment to its mask mandate last Friday. “Fully vaccinated” means that two weeks have passed since a person’s final vaccine dose. 

Those who are not fully vaccinated must still follow the village mask ordinance — which allows people to un-mask outdoors as long as they can maintain a social distance of six feet. This also matches the state’s policy. People who aren’t fully vaccinated must still wear masks at all indoor spaces serving the public. Businesses are allowed to have stricter rules if they so choose.  

Businesses and events operating outdoors must still adhere to mask requirements under the Vermont Forward reopening plan. See more details here. The state aims to remove its mask rule and all pandemic restrictions by July 4, and the Village Trustees expect to suspend their ordinance when that happens.

At Monday’s meeting, there was no discussion of the mask ordinance after a motion was made and seconded, and Trustees quickly got to the 5-0 vote. The Woodstock Town Select Board, which has a resolution in line with the village ordinance, had previously voted to support the trustees in their mask ordinance changes and keep the resolution aligned with state guidance. The Select Board’s next meeting is Tuesday at 6 p.m. on Zoom.

— Gareth Henderson

Vermont eases mask rule again; speeds up reopening

A mountain view from Cox District Road in Bridgewater, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont is no longer requiring fully vaccinated people to wear masks or adhere to social distancing, following a Thursday update to CDC guidance. This applies to indoor and outdoor spaces.

A second change also took effect Friday: Vermont moved up its statewide reopening schedule, as the state is hitting its COVID-19 vaccination targets over two weeks early. That means further relaxing capacity limits for gatherings and events, and there is now no COVID test required due to any travel.

For indoor gatherings and events, capacity limits were lowered to 1 unvaccinated person per 50 square feet or up to 300 people (whichever is lower), plus any number of vaccinated people. Outdoors, the limit is 900 people, plus any number of vaccinated individuals. For more details, check out the state's Vermont Forward web page.

Announcing the big news, Gov. Phil Scott thanked Vermonters for aiding this important progress.

"Because of you stepping up for the greater good, doing your part in getting vaccinated, we're able to do this," he said at Friday's press briefing.

Those who are not fully vaccinated must still follow the state's mask rule — which allows people to un-mask outdoors as long as they can maintain a social distance of six feet. Masks are still required in indoor public spaces. "Fully vaccinated" means that two weeks have passed since your final vaccine dose, the governor emphasized. Several settings will still require masking and social distancing, such as schools, public transportation, healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, and prisons.

Some Vermont municipalities still have their own mask policies. Earlier this week, prompted by the state’s May 1 update, Woodstock Village altered its mask ordinance and no longer requires face coverings to be worn outdoors in the village limits, as long as six feet of social distance can be maintained. The local ordinance still requires masking for indoor public spaces and businesses. There is no mention of vaccination status. On Friday, Woodstock Village Trustees Chair Jeff Kahn said the board will discuss the state's latest update. This will take place at a special meeting Monday, May 17, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Connection information is on the town’s website.

At the state press conference, officials acknowledged that some vaccinated individuals might still choose to mask up, even after this latest change.

"Now, I understand there might be some who are still uncomfortable, a little hesitant, and that's OK. That's their choice, and I sincerely hope Vermonters can show understanding," Scott said. "But the fact is, if you're fully vaccinated, the health experts at the CDC have determined there is very little risk, and it's time to reward all the hard work you've done over the past 14 months to help make Vermont's pandemic response the best in the country."

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said it may feel weird for some people to not wear a mask, even after being immunized.

"But know that when you do feel ready, vaccines work, and you are protected," he said.

Vermont still leads the nation in per-capita administration of the COVID vaccine, and over 61% of Vermonters have received at least one dose. On Thursday, for the first time since November, the University of Vermont Medical Center had no COVID in-patients.

The vaccination numbers continue to rise, as more than 7,300 Vermonters ages 12-15 had signed up for vaccine appointments as of Friday morning, after their age group became eligible on Thursday. Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for 12-15-year-olds, who must have the consent of their parents or guardians to be immunized. To accelerate these vaccinations, Vermont will receive 5,000 additional Pfizer doses next week, as part of a federal program allowing states to request more than their usual weekly allotment.

In his remarks Friday, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that the Vermont chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is holding a series of online forums in the coming weeks about the COVID vaccine and adolescents. The list of forums is available at aapvt.org.

Smith encouraged parents to reach out to their pediatricians with any specific questions.

"Pediatricians are thrilled that more of their patients and family members are ready to be vaccinated, and they are willing to help in any way that they can," he said.

The state continues to add vaccination clinics, including walk-in opportunities. Visit healthvermont.gov/myvaccine for more information or call 855-722-7878.

— Gareth Henderson

Village mask ordinance amended; Vt. prepares to vaccinate ages 12-15

The Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A mask is no longer required to be worn outdoors within the Village of Woodstock, after a decision by the Woodstock Village Trustees on Tuesday night. 

Trustees voted 3-1 to suspend the portion of the local mask ordinance which required a face covering to be worn outside. However, state guidelines will be followed, including wearing a mask when six feet of social distancing is not possible. Masks must still be worn inside all public buildings and businesses. 

Tuesday’s discussion was prompted by a recent change to Vermont’s statewide mask mandate, which was made in accordance with CDC guidance. The state no longer requires mask-wearing outside, except when six-foot social distancing can’t be maintained. The CDC recently announced that less than 1% of COVID-19 transmission occurs outdoors.

Businesses and events operating outdoors must still adhere to mask requirements under the Vermont Forward reopening plan. See more details here.

Woodstock Village expects to suspend its entire mask ordinance once the state ends its mask mandate. On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott said the state may lift the mandate ahead of schedule in June, as the state is hitting its vaccination goals faster than expected. Over 61% of all Vermonters have had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. 

The governor expects to share more details on Friday about the state potentially speeding up its reopening plans.

State preparing to expand vaccination to ages 12-15

Vermont is preparing to add another age group to the COVID-19 vaccination effort this week. 

The FDA announced Monday it has approved use of Pfizer vaccine doses for children ages 12-15, and with final approval, state officials say vaccine registration for that group could begin immediately. If the final decision comes in the evening, registration for this age group will open at 8:15 a.m. the next morning, Vermont officials confirmed.  

That final approval rests with the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which meets to vote on Wednesday. In a weekly call between governors and White House and CDC leaders Tuesday, that final stage of approval was not in doubt, according to Vermont Gov. Phil Scott.

“They sounded optimistic that full approval would be coming very, very soon,” Scott said at a Tuesday press conference. 

In preparing for this change, the state has ordered a total of 4,480 extra Pfizer doses, through a new federal program allowing states to request doses above their weekly allocation. Pending federal approval of the request, those extra doses could arrive as soon as next week. 

Additionally, the state and school districts are planning over 40 school-based vaccination sites to accommodate the 12-15 age group. Those new sites will be open to the public as well. The recently unveiled walk-in clinics around the state will also be available to this new group, however, once eligible, officials are encouraging this group to sign up for their doses online. That’s because they can only have the Pfizer vaccine, noted Human Services Secretary Mike Smith. If they do visit a walk-in clinic, a parent will need to be with them to give permission.

Also on Tuesday, Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said parents of children ages 16 and 17 (ages which are already eligible) and of children ages 12-15 should speak to their child’s pediatrician if they have questions or concerns regarding vaccinating their children. 

“They are there for you and your child, and many (pediatricians) are making appearances in your region of the state to emphasize the importance of vaccine for children in the age groups we’ve just discussed,” Levine said. 

He also said people are welcome to view information on the state’s vaccine website, healthvermont.gov/myvaccine, notably the “Frequently Asked Questions” section. 

As the state’s COVID cases keep trending downward, there has been a marked improvement in the rate of vaccination among those 30 years old and younger, according to Michael Pieciak, the financial regulation commissioner, who spoke about state trends on Tuesday. 

“Last week, those age bands sat just below the national average, and this week, they’re sitting comfortably above the national average,” Pieciak said. “So certainly, there’s more work to be done, but progress is being made.” 

— Gareth Henderson

5/12/2021 Update: On Wednesday afternoon, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to approve the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12-15.

State: In-person learning on the rise in Vt. schools

The American flag flies at Woodstock Union High School & Middle School last summer. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)

Citing another positive impact from declining COVID-19 case totals in Vermont, state officials are seeing more and more schools getting back to in-person instruction.

Last month, Woodstock Union High School increased its in-person instruction to four days a week, and this trend has continued statewide, according to Education Secretary Dan French. He hears “almost daily” from schools moving in that direction, the secretary said at a Friday press briefing. 

“I’m very pleased with the results we’ve seen so far, and now with the case counts coming down, I expect even more districts will be expanding their in-person opportunities,” French said. “I’m confident that we’ll end the year with more in-person than when we started.” 

Also this week, the Agency of Education clarified its spring sports guidance regarding masks being worn outside. For sports with low- to no-contact, such as tennis, track and field, baseball and softball, masks do not have to be worn outside if six-foot distancing can be maintained. For moderate- to close-contact sports, like lacrosse and ultimate frisbee, players must continue to wear masks at all times during practice and games.

As for the state’s vaccination efforts, nearly two-thirds of Vermonters over age 16 have now received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Next week, the state hopes the CDC will grant emergency use approval for Pfizer doses to be given to children ages 12-15. Once approved, Vermonters in this age group will be able to go to any Pfizer vaccination site, and school-based sites will be set up for students. All those sites will also be open to the wider public.

On Friday, Gov. Phil Scott urged anyone who hasn’t signed up for vaccination, to do so — most notably those ages 18-30. If the state continues to hit its vaccination targets in the coming weeks, the goal of lifting all statewide restrictions by July 4 remains within reach, according to officials.

“Vaccines are our ticket out of this pandemic, but it’s going to take everyone’s buy-in, especially younger Vermonters,” Scott said. 

Vermont’s COVID caseload is still trending well under 100 cases per day, and its 7-day case rate remains lower than the national average. The statewide positivity rate is 1.2%.

— Gareth Henderson

To view the status of public school reopenings statewide, check out this map.

Vermont COVID-19 aid bill becomes law

The hills around Woodstock, Vermont, last summer. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A $104 million COVID-19 relief bill has become law without Vermont Gov. Phil Scott's signature. The legislation includes $10 million in grants for struggling businesses, along with aid for housing, mental health services, and a range of infrastructure needs.

Scott reportedly declined to sign the bill, in part, because one of its provisions taxes some business loans under the federal Paycheck Protection Program. But the governor allowed the plan to become law because it "contains urgently needed funds for Vermonters," Vermont Public Radio reported. One part of the bill excludes the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits from 2020 from taxation, in accordance with a federal tax change this year.

In other Tuesday news, the state reported its COVID positivity rate has further dropped to 1.5%. Daily case counts are on the decline, in large part because the cases among younger age groups in Vermont recently dropped by one-third. Cases on college campuses are also down.

Additionally, federal officials hope to have some recommendations on Friday about resuming the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, with some restrictions. A pause in administration of that vaccine has continued this week in Vermont, as health experts are looking into the implications of six cases of rare blood-clotting in people who had the vaccine.

This week, Vermont's supply of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be level, while pharmacies in the federal pharmacy program will see an increase in those doses across the country. That means 8,000 more doses for pharmacies in Vermont.

On Monday, all Vermonters age 16 and older became eligible for COVID vaccinations, and 47,000 Vermonters age 16-29 had signed up to get their shots as of Tuesday morning.

— Gareth Henderson

Senior center eyes reopening

The Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, Vermont, has been holding bingo by phone for some time now, and one of the big topics of late, not surprisingly, has been getting vaccinated for COVID-19. 

Deanna Jones, the center’s executive director, remembered a recent discussion in one of the bingo calls, with one of the ladies who had just gotten her second shot. At the site where she got her second dose, others had done so, as well. A great sense of relief was in the air.

“She said people were jumping, high-fiving and so glad; it was like a celebration as people were coming out of the vaccination site,” Jones said. “It was really clear who had been vaccinated already.” 

Like senior centers throughout the region, The Thompson has been closed to in-person activities due to the pandemic, while holding some activities or events over the phone or online. The state of Vermont recently announced senior centers can start reopening for group activities, but The Thompson Senior Center is waiting until all staff are fully vaccinated. Another key factor is the spacing requirement for such organizations in Vermont: one person per 100 square feet. 

Right now, Jones said the goal is to reopen for in-person activities around June 1, with some capacity restrictions. 

“We'll be opening our tent for outside group programs at that time as well as activities indoors that meet capacity guidelines,” Jones said. 

Looking forward into May, The Thompson Senior Center will continue its curbside meals, online programs, and will still do one-on-one services, such as foot care (the nurse administering that program has been vaccinated). Virtual programs planned for May include the spring tea, intergenerational programs, and a private tour with Art in Bloom from the Museum of Fine Art, arranged through the Woodstock Garden Club.

Per the state’s reopening plan, senior centers will switch to the state’s “universal guidance” after July 4. That guidance has no capacity limits and requires basic precautions like masks and six-foot social distancing. 

No senior center in the state has opened yet for congregate dining, according to Jones, who is also co-chair of the Vermont Association for Senior Centers and Meal Providers. Jones said she and her staff at The Thompson are also keeping a close eye on case numbers.

“We will continue to proceed with caution and monitor the current active cases in our area, even as restrictions ease,” Jones said.   

As of Friday, the state’s overall COVID-19 caseload remained steady, while the 7-day case average continued to trend downward. That daily average was 140 at the end of last week. On Monday, the state reported 93 new cases. Vermonter’s positivity rate has remained at 1.9%, one of the lowest in the country. 

On the vaccine front, the state recently surpassed 50% of its adult population having received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Over one-third of adult Vermonters are fully vaccinated.

It’s been a very long year, Jones said, but the community has gotten the senior center through these tough times, with lots of volunteering and other support. For example, the Woodstock Farmers’ Market raised $8,700 for the senior center through its “Round Up” campaign. Whenever things were particularly discouraging, something wonderful would happen that lifted their spirits, Jones recalled.

“In so many ways, our community stepped up to support us and keep us going,” she said.

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. vaccine sign-ups expand to ages 16-18

Cars roll along Route 4 by the Ottauquechee River in Bridgewater, Vt. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Friday was a day with important news to announce, but the state of Vermont’s press briefing wasn’t all formality. There was a moment of levity in the question-and-answer session, when a reporter asked about the state’s catchy phrases, “Six-Foot Spaces, Masks On Faces, Uncrowded Places,” meant to promote public health guidance. Tom Davis, of Compass Vermont, wondered whether Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine was the creator of those rhymes.

“The answer is ‘no,’” Levine said, sporting a wide grin. “It takes a village to come up with things that are that powerful, and we have an excellent communication and marketing team who all contribute to that effort.” 

“So it’s a product of Vermont?” Davis asked. Levine quickly confirmed, “Oh I would say. Yes.”

The more serious remarks focused in part on a change in COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. As of today, Vermonters ages 16-18 can sign up, as the state looks to accelerate the vaccination of the high-school population. All people age 16 and older become eligible Monday. 

On Friday, Gov. Phil Scott announced the change, noting his priority of getting kids back to school. Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine approved for 16-18-year-olds. 

“This step will help give those kids the opportunity to register for Pfizer doses two days early — which is their only option at this time — and possibly enjoy the end of the school year in a much more normal way,” Scott said. 

Those younger than 18 will need to have a parent or guardian help them complete the registration. Vaccination appointments can be made by going to healthvermont.gov/myvaccine or calling 855-722-7878.  

The governor also offered an update from federal officials on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. On a federal recommendation, Vermont paused administration of that vaccine this past week. Health experts are looking into six cases of rare a blood-clotting issue which occurred after taking the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. None of the cases are in Vermont. 

On Friday, Scott said administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Vermont will be paused for another week. This is to give health experts time to further investigate the issue, as about half of available Johnson & Johnson doses were administered in the past few weeks. 

“They’ll be meeting again next week, where they will learn more and hopefully we’ll be able to return to distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine very soon,” Scott said. Further guidance from the federal government may not be available until late this coming week.

Though all adult Vermonters will be vaccine-eligible soon, Scott urged people to continue to follow the public health guidance, including mask-wearing and social distancing. 

“It’s still important that folks follow the guidelines in place,” he said. “Doing so will help get us back to normal faster, help get our kids back to school, and more.” 

— Gareth Henderson

Gov. Scott outlines relief plan; lawmakers await details

Downtown Woodstock, Vermont, on Friday evening. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont is getting over $1 billion in COVID-19 relief funding from the federal government, and Gov. Phil Scott laid out his priorities for it this week. 

These include $250 million to expand broadband coverage in the state; $250 million for housing; $200 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate change resiliency; $170 million for major water, sewer and stormwater system upgrades; and $143 million for economic development including helping small businesses rebound from the pandemic. 

The governor placed a strong emphasis on the state’s significant housing needs, noting that because of the pandemic, nearly 2,000 Vermonters experiencing homelessness have been living in hotels and motels over last year. 

“My plan would significantly increase shelter capacity and construct permanent housing for those in need,” Scott said at his Friday press briefing. “It also builds more than 5,000 housing units to help middle-income families who’ve been priced out of the market.”

Scott said there are many priorities he and the Legislature agree on regarding this money, but he said lawmakers will also be offering their own ideas about how to spend it. 

“I look forward to working with them in order to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make monumental and transformative investments to build a stronger future,” he said.  

In a Saturday interview, Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint said there was a “fair amount” in Scott’s plan that lawmakers supported, including broadband, housing and climate change. 

“But of course we want to know more about the details,” Balint said. 

She said one concern from the Senate side was that the governor didn’t include workforce training, though it’s been a concern of his in the past. Balint specifically mentioned those workers who need access to certificate programs or skills training to advance their careers, but not a full degree. 

“We have a worker shortage pretty acutely here in Vermont,” she said. “There are a lot of jobs that are going unfilled.” 

Balint also said adding funding for mental health services and more targeted help for businesses should be part of the plan. She often hears from hospitality and tourism businesses who are worried about how much longer they can hang on, despite Scott’s phased reopening plan which aims to lift all pandemic restrictions by July 4. Balint said those businesses were expecting more from the new federal COVID relief dollars.

“For the most part, what I’ve been hearing is that people are comfortable with this (reopening) timeline,” Balint said. “They just want to make sure that when the spigot is fully open, they’re still going to have a business.” 

One bill looking to help with that is a $100 million coronavirus relief spending package previously passed out of the Senate, which includes $10 million for business grants. The House hopes to get that bill to the governor’s desk on Friday, Balint said.

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. vaccination rate among seniors is highest in U.S.

Sun shines through the trees by the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Vermont's vaccination rate among people over age 65 is the highest in the U.S., standing at 85%, state officials said Friday in their COVID-19 update.

With that, Vermont is planning to allow adult day centers to open soon.

“Adult day centers and senior centers are vital providers in our aging services network,” said Human Services Secretary Mike Smith at Friday's press briefing. “With most older Vermonters now vaccinated, we are now ready to allow these centers to re-open for group activities such as exercise, the arts and social groups."

Masks and social distancing will still be required, and Smith said many centers will operate at reduced capacities.

Though much anticipated for Friday, the unveiling of the state's "blueprint" to ease statewide restrictions has been delayed a week. Overall, Gov. Phil Scott urged Vermonters to still mask up and practice social distancing, noting the work isn't over.

"Regardless of our success, we still have some work to do over the next four weeks when everyone is eligible, because even though we've protected those at the greatest risk of hospitalization and death, increased cases can still cause disruption in the classroom, at the office, or on the job site," the governor said. Vermont plans to have all its adult residents vaccine-eligible by April 19.

Friday's news came at a time when Vermont has seen a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in the past couple of weeks, especially among younger age groups. This pattern has been true of other New England states as well.

In his weekly data update, Mike Pieciak, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, said among the more troubling regional signs have been the increase in hospitalizations seen in Massachusetts and Connecticut. In the past, such trends have led to a regional rise in hospitalizations and also deaths, he noted.

"But with much progress being made with the vaccination programs in Vermont and across the other Northeast states, we hope to see a change in that progression (in cases) in the weeks ahead," Pieciak said.

To date, over 40% of all Vermonters over age 16 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and about 80% of school employees statewide have been vaccinated.

Scott acknowledged how tired people are of following the public health guidance for over a year. The governor, a longtime stock car racer, said he thinks of the current situation in terms of racing, and how important it is to keep following the path that leads to a win, especially near the end.

"I've been in some long races, and when there's 10 to go, and if I'm doing fairly well or leading the race, and there's a caution, I don't take those caution laps and take off my helmet and release my five-point harness," Scott said. "I buckle up, I actually get back into control, I pay attention and focus on the last 10 laps, and that's where I feel like we are right now. As tired as you are of going through this and all the restrictions and everything that comes along with it, now's not the time to let up."

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. unveils vaccine eligibility dates, eases bar restrictions

A scenic view of the Ottauquechee River in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The state of Vermont has unveiled how it plans to make all adults eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine before May 1. 

On Friday, Gov. Phil Scott announced the scheduling of the final age groups for vaccine eligibility, and he also announced another change in Vermont’s statewide guidance for businesses. As of Wednesday, bars and social clubs will be able to operate at 50% capacity, with restrictions. 

Scott reminded the public that it’s still crucial to follow the basic public health guidance, like masking and social distancing.  

“We’ve got to stay united in order to get through this with the fewest lives lost and emerge stronger than we were before,” he said. 

In one month, all Vermonters over age 16 will be able to register for vaccine appointments, and based on expected supply from the federal government, the state aims to have all eligible people immunized by the end of June. 

The next age group, Vermonters age 60 and over, will be eligible for appointments as of March 25. Currently, the 65+ age group, and those 16 and older with specified high risk health conditions, are eligible. 

The entire upcoming schedule is as follows, with the age groups and when eligibility begins:

• 60+ : March 25          

• 50+ : March 29                            

• 40+ : April 5                  

• 30+ : April 12                

• 16+ : April 19  

With this approach and a steady supply of doses, Scott said the Fourth of July should look more normal, and graduating high school seniors could possibly have a “more traditional graduation.” 

“After seeing the second half of your junior year, and now your senior year, turned upside down, you deserve it, and we’re going to do everything we can to make it happen,” Scott said at his Friday press conference.  

Officials emphasized that the age-group eligibility dates represent the date registration opens for each group. The length of the entire process will vary, but Vermonters can expect it to take up to two months from the time you register to the point where you are considered to be fully vaccinated. This includes the anticipated time between registration and the date of your first appointment, the time between the first and last dose, and the two weeks needed after a last dose for it to be at maximum effectiveness.

Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said the long-awaited reality of many more people being able to get their vaccine is a significant step forward. At the same time, he cautioned Vermonters that with variant strains of the highly transmissible virus being identified in Vermont, prevention and testing must still be a priority.

“To really find our way out of this pandemic, along with registering for vaccination as soon as your age band opens, we must all continue to follow the very simple, but critically important guidance of masks, distancing and cautious travel,” Levine said in a statement. “This is the only way to stay ahead in the race. Through prevention, testing and vaccination, we can achieve a level of community immunity that will bring us out of this pandemic. We can cross the ‘public health finish line’ sooner, together.”

To date, more than 161,000 Vermonters have already received at least one dose of vaccine, representing about 30% of the 16 and older population.

Also on Friday, the governor announced updates to COVID-19 guidance for bars and social clubs, like American Legions and VFWs. These establishments are being moved under the state’s restaurant guidance, which will allow them to reopen within that sector’s current restrictions. These include operating at 50% capacity, requiring patrons to be seated at tables with a maximum of six per table, six feet of distance between parties, masking and more. Municipalities will be able to place more restrictions on these establishments in their jurisdictions.

— Gareth Henderson

Biden: U.S. to hit goal of 100 million doses Friday

The winter landscape in Bristol, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

U.S. President Joe Biden said a major COVID-19 vaccination goal of his administration would be reached on Friday much earlier than initially expected.

At a press briefing Thursday, Biden confirmed that's the day the administration would beat its goal of delivering 100 million vaccine doses to Americans in his first 100 days in office. Friday is just two months into the president's first term.

Biden noted this milestone was close at hand during a televised address last week. On Thursday, he said several key steps, taken shortly after he took office, enabled this to happen. They included expediting critical materials for vaccine production, working with vaccine manufacturers to speed up delivery of millions more doses, and brokering a historic manufacturing partnership between competing companies.

"These steps put us on track to have enough vaccines, enough vaccine supply, for every adult American by the end of May — months earlier than anyone expected," Biden said.

He added that eight weeks ago, 8% of American seniors had been vaccinated — today, 65% of Americans age 65 or older have received at least one shot. The amount of vaccine doses going to states has doubled, and the U.S. has gone from delivering 1 million vaccinations per day, to an average of 2.5 million, Biden said.

The administration has put a particular focus on supplying vaccine doses to community health clinics. Biden said that's to help those who've been hardest-hit by the pandemic, especially Black, Latino, Native-American and rural communities.

"This is really important, because we believe speed and efficiency must be matched with fairness and equity," he said.

Going forward, Biden encouraged Americans to continue to follow public health guidelines, including wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands often.

"If we keep our guard up, stick together and stick with the science, we can look forward to a Fourth of July that feels a bit more normal, with small groups able to gather for cookouts in backyards."

To get to that point, Biden said, there was more work to do, and the COVID-19 relief bill being implemented will help, as it provides more funding for community vaccination centers and testing. States are also expected to get increasing amounts of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the coming weeks.

Biden has directed states to make all adults vaccine-eligible by May 1, and some states have announced they can do so, including Vermont, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut and North Carolina.

— Gareth Henderson