Officials: Vt. well-prepared for vaccine distribution

(Gareth Henderson Photo)

When a COVID-19 vaccine is available to Vermont, the state will be ready to distribute it.

That was the key message from Vermont officials on Friday, as the state unveiled its distribution framework for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Last week, the state submitted responses to a series of questions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), laying out Vermont’s framework for vaccine distribution and Vermont’s preparedness. Gov. Phil Scott said the state is still waiting on some logistical details from the federal government, which is responsible for nationwide distribution of vaccines. But he said Vermont’s interim COVID-19 vaccination plan will evolve as new information comes forward. 

“With so many unknowns, this is difficult work,” Scott said in a statement. “But we have a strong infrastructure in place, and we have been working with a talented team of world-class experts for months to learn from past experiences and to further strengthen our systems. The bottom line is: We will be ready.”

When that time comes, the vaccine quantity Vermont will receive is unclear, but under Vermont’s plan the vaccine will first go to health care workers and the staff and residents of long-term care facilities. Those who are most at risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19 will also be prioritized, and the vaccine will be made available to other vulnerable populations as supplies increase, health officials said. The vaccine may arrive in Vermont as soon as the end of this year, but will most likely not be available to the general population until well into 2021, according to state Health Commissioner Mark Levine.

Vermont’s Vaccination Planning Team has been working on the state’s distribution framework since July. On Thursday, the U.S. topped 70,000 coronavirus cases in one day, a mark not passed since July, according to National Public Radio. Vermont continues to have the nation’s lowest test positivity rate for COVID-19.

“Having a safe and effective vaccine is an essential tool to stop the virus from spreading. ... I encourage everyone to get vaccinated when it’s available to them,” Levine said in prepared remarks. “We are all ready for this next step toward ending the pandemic. But let me be clear — safety comes first. Any vaccine must meet all FDA safety standards and be recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, free from politics.”

It is expected the initial supply of COVID-19 vaccine will likely be limited. Assuming that holds true, the state’s interim plan lays out a phased approach, subject to change, as seen in its full proposal submitted to the CDC.

Within the state’s framework, this effort also includes a range of partners, such as pharmacies, hospitals, primary care providers, community service organizations, privately run clinics, long-term care facilities and correctional facilities.

“This is an enormous undertaking with a number of crucial considerations,” Levine said. “But one thing is clear, in Vermont, we’ll be ready for the vaccine before the vaccine is ready for us.”

Friday’s announcement was another example of Vermont’s steady approach to this crisis, guided by science, common sense and community-mindedness. Many people will be glad at the reiteration of something Levine has said before: that the pull of politics won’t influence Vermont’s actions regarding the vaccine. The focus will be on what Vermont needs to do to keep communities safe and healthy, as numerous people work to help the state take this important next step. As Vermonters approach this next challenge, their innate strength to succeed in spite of great obstacles will help ensure progress. 

— Gareth Henderson