Officials: Vt. ready to vaccinate children ages 5-11 against COVID-19

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

Parents of children ages 5-11 will soon be able to have their kids vaccinated against COVID-19.

CDC advisers voted unanimously on Tuesday to recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for this age group. Following that panel’s decision, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky is widely expected to issue final approval. This vaccine for children ages 5-11 will be given in two doses three weeks apart. It is one-third the dosage of the Pfizer vaccine for adults. 

In anticipation of the final CDC approval, registration will open at 8 a.m. for Vermont parents to sign their children up. People will be able to go to healthvermont.gov/myvaccine or call 855-722-7878 to make an appointment. With support from EMS and other health care partners, the state Health Department has also arranged for clinics in nearly 100 schools across the state over a six-week period, beginning on Monday, Nov. 8.

“Our goal is to get as many doses as possible into students’ arms before the holiday break at the end of December — that’s first and second dose,” said Mike Smith, Vermont’s secretary of human services. 

At a Tuesday press conference, it was clear the gears were fully in motion in Vermont. The state was receiving 6,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 5-11 by Tuesday night — part of 23,400 doses being shipped to the state this week. Of those, 15,900 are going to the state, with the remaining 7,500 heading to clinics at pharmacies and health care sites around Vermont, according to officials.  

“This will be an enormous step forward and a significant opportunity to protect as many people as possible,” Gov. Phil Scott said of the expected vaccine.

At the briefing, Scott urged those who are skeptical about vaccinating their kids to consider the following factors.

“We know from recent experience how important in-person instruction is for our kids, and by getting them vaccinated, you’re not only reducing their chance of getting COVID, but you’re taking an important step to keep them in school, improving their education, and all the social and mental health benefits that come along with it,” Scott said.  

Dr. Rebecca Bell, president of the Vermont chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said this has been “a long-awaited and much-anticipated development.” This low-dose Pfizer vaccine was shown to be 91% effective against COVID-19 infection, Bell said. The doses are expected to be available at local pediatrician offices by mid-November.

Bell also noted the success of the effort to vaccinate older children, adding that 31,000 Vermonters ages 12-17 have been vaccinated against the virus. 

“Those are our patients, and we have been so grateful that they are vaccinated and protected from serious illness,” she said. 

The governor was hopeful that most parents of kids ages 5-11 would have their children inoculated. He said Vermont leads the country in a number of vaccination-related categories, including youth vaccination. 

“About a week ago, we were the first state to cross the 80% vaccination threshold for kids 12-17, with over 70% of them being fully vaccinated,” Scott said. 

There are about 44,000 children ages 5-11 in Vermont; the state’s total population was just over 643,000 as of April 2020.

— Gareth Henderson

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Governor: Vaccine news clears way to meet May 1 deadline

An Elm Street view of Woodstock Village. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Continued good news on vaccine supply has cleared the way for Vermont to meet the eligibility goal set out by President Joe Biden, according to Gov. Phil Scott.

In his televised address last week, Biden directed states to make all adults eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by May 1, and Scott was optimistic about meeting that goal, given sufficient supply. In a call on Tuesday, White House officials assured governors of increasing supply in coming weeks, including for the important single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

Vermont can expect a total of 800 additional doses next week between all vaccines, and further increases in April, Scott told the media Tuesday. That includes receiving 4,000 to 5,000 Johnson & Johnson doses each week by late April. 

With that update, the state plans to open vaccine appointments for another age group this week, and Scott said Vermont might even exceed the president’s goal.

“This is the assurance we've been waiting for, and we’ll use this information to update our projections, and on Friday, we’ll announce when our next age band, 60+, will open,” he said. The news will also allow the state to fully outline its plan for the remaining age bands. 

More than 1 in 4 adult Vermonters have received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and the numbers are going in the right direction, according to Human Services Secretary Mike Smith.

“We’re seeing a slow but steady increase in vaccine manufacturing and a decrease in deaths from the virus,” Smith said at the press briefing. “This is remarkable and really speaks to how we have been able to really stick together and move toward overcoming the most devastating health crisis in more than 100 years.” 

As of Tuesday, 152,800 Vermonters had been vaccinated against COVID, and 87,200 of those have received both doses. 

Already filed your taxes? You haven’t missed a key exclusion

If you’re a Vermonter who already filed their 2020 taxes, your state wants you to consider whether you might qualify for an important new exclusion for jobless aid — but don’t do anything just yet.

The convergence of tax season and the passage of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill have led to several key directives, and the latest one was at Tuesday’s state press briefing, referencing those who filed their 2020 taxes before the bill became law last Thursday. 

The relief package excludes from taxation the first $10,200 of unemployment aid for taxpayers who had less than $150,000 in adjusted gross income in 2020. That exclusion is per-person, meaning the amount goes up to $20,400 for a married couple, provided they both individually received at least $10,200 in jobless benefits.

“This is an unprecedented, retroactive exclusion, and it’s a very valuable one,” said Susanne Young, Vermont’s secretary of administration.

Young said people who already filed their taxes should not file an amended return, but need to wait for upcoming guidance from the IRS about how to claim this exclusion. People can keep track of updates at irs.gov. 

For this exemption to follow through to Vermont, the state Legislature must approve a corresponding exemption in the Vermont tax code. That effort is underway. 

During her remarks, Young also noted the IRS is using the most recently processed tax returns to determine eligibility for the much-anticipated $1,400 stimulus checks in the relief bill. 

“For those who haven’t yet filed their 2020 returns, the IRS will use the 2019 return to determine payments,” Young said.

The $1,400 direct payments are going to each taxpayer earning less than $75,000 per year; the limit is less than $160,000 for married couples. Payments of $1,400 will be received for each dependent in the household as well.

Young also outlined other assistance around unemployment. The relief bill continues the federal enhanced unemployment aid of $300 per week to Sept. 6. It also extends pandemic emergency unemployment compensation to that same date, while increasing the total number of weeks for benefits from 24 to 53. 

The bill also provides a 100% subsidy of COBRA payments from April 21 to Sept. 30 for people who lost their jobs because of the pandemic and are eligible for COBRA. 

— Gareth Henderson

Marching forward

Sunset lights up the sky in West Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In March 2020, analyses about the growing challenges of the pandemic were everywhere. Our economy, schools, work, and travel came to a halt or went remote. Today, we’re not out of the woods, but one year after lockdowns took hold across the country, it’s a much different scene: We’re able to talk about growing points of progress. 

The $1.9 trillion U.S. relief bill is passed, well over 70% of Americans 75 and older are vaccinated, and three vaccines are being distributed.

In Vermont, the state Legislature is working on a fast-track spending bill for pandemic relief, and the push is on to return all schools to in-person learning quickly, but safely. The state opened vaccination appointments for teachers, school staff and child care providers as a group this week — a key step en route to full-time, in-person instruction. As of Friday, 1 in 4 Vermonters had received their first dose of vaccine. 

That all seemed a long way off, a year ago. Vermont had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 5. Vermont’s state of emergency went into effect the following week. Looking back during a recent press conference, Scott emphasized the great progress on vaccines in only one year. 

“When we had that first case, no one could have predicted, just 12 months later we’d already have three safe and effective vaccines rolling out to defend ourselves,” Scott said. 

As vaccine development was underway, we were also stepping up for each other, which officials in Vermont and elsewhere often acknowledged. During the holidays, Scott asked for examples of Vermonters who were selflessly helping their communities, and emails poured in from people highlighting their friends, co-workers and neighbors. Some communities began their own relief programs; the Woodstock community organized the Woodstock Area Relief Fund, which continues to help those in need. Vermont towns saw food bank donations soar, mask-making became a wartime effort, and people volunteered wherever they could to make a difference. 

Such stories exemplify the heart of Vermont, and reflect the community spirit that has sustained us. It is our guiding light to more progress. Creativity, ingenuity, and patience were seen here and in many other communities across the world. Those virtues are foundational, and they empower us to move forward through even the darkest times. Even then, there is always light, some goodness right around the corner to lift us up. Our love and compassion for each other are here to strengthen us, and they point the way to greener pastures ahead.

— Gareth Henderson

Vt. continues vaccine progress; more rule changes on tap

A view from Sherman Hollow Road in Huntington, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The state of Vermont opened COVID-19 vaccine appointments for the largest phase yet of its process this week. With over one-fifth of Vermonters over age 16 having received at least their first dose, the state plans to also roll out another change to its public health guidance at its next press briefing. 

Last week, the state eased its gathering rule to allow vaccinated households to gather with others who are vaccinated, as well as with one other household that is not vaccinated. 

“On Friday, we plan to announce changes for small gatherings as well,” Gov. Phil Scott said Tuesday. “This will have an impact for restaurants, too, so stay tuned.” 

As for the statewide vaccine effort, the current phase 5 includes about 75,000 Vermonters with certain high-risk health conditions, and the group is split into two parts. On Monday, phase 5A began, opening vaccine eligibility for those 55 and older with high-risk health conditions. 

“On the first day, just under 10,000 had signed up, which is a bit fewer than we’d hoped,” Scott said at Tuesday’s press conference. 

Because of that, the governor said, the state is moving up the first day of vaccine sign-ups for phase 5B, which is now Thursday. That part of the group involves those 16 and older with high-risk conditions. Scott noted it’s a large group and “we want to get to them as quickly as possible.” A list of eligible high-risk health conditions is available near the bottom of this page, below the “Eligibility” graphic.

Also on Monday, the state began vaccinations for school staff and child care providers, and expanded eligibility for public safety personnel and corrections staff. Scott said those vaccination opportunities were made possible by increased vaccine supply from the federal government and the distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Vaccination for the first three age groups in Vermont’s vaccine process — 75+, 70+ and 65+ — made faster progress than anticipated. As of Tuesday, over 82% of Vermonters age 75 and older had either received their first dose or been fully vaccinated. That’s above the national average for vaccination within the 75+ age group, which is about 70%.

Vermont showed an increase in average daily COVID-19 cases this week, however, the state is still projecting a gradual overall decrease in cases over the next month as vaccinations continue, with that decline becoming sharper in the spring. The state’s positivity rate continues to be one of the lowest in the nation, at 1.58%.

Scott said it’s “still as important as ever” to follow the public health guidance in place, noting Vermonters should wear masks, use social distancing, wash hands and stay home when sick.

“We’re in the final quarter of this very tough game, so let’s all do our part so we can exit the pandemic as quickly as possible,” the governor said. 

— Gareth Henderson

Signs of progress

Trees near Lake Pinneo in Quechee, Vermont, on Sunday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

While cross-country skiing near some trees this weekend, the late-afternoon sun sharpened and dark-blue tree shadows blanketed the snowy landscape. I saw the shadows shift ever so slightly, every time I moved forward on the path before me. Where shadow seemed to reign, there was also light. 

We have seen many looming shadows over the past year as the U.S. has dealt with the pandemic. Those challenges have begun to shift, and the light of progress has shone a little brighter, with each forward step. For example, Vermonters recently got the good news that, effective on Tuesday, individuals who have been fully vaccinated — meaning two weeks after their second dose — will no longer have to quarantine after traveling to Vermont. This includes visitors coming in from other states, as long as they can prove they've been fully vaccinated.

That change in Vermont was announced Friday in accordance with new CDC guidelines. The state’s public health guidance remains in effect, including the required masking and social distancing, Gov. Phil Scott noted at a press briefing. Though the vaccination process has been going well, Scott said, the state will be cautious about loosening its COVID-19 regulations.

“I want to be very clear: We’re going to do this carefully and methodically, like we have throughout the pandemic, and I’m asking for your patience as we work our way through this,” Scott said Friday. 

Vermonters’ strong adherence to public health guidance has helped greatly reduce COVID-related deaths and hospitalizations since January, the governor said, noting the state’s successful vaccination effort has also contributed to that progress. As of Friday, over 21,000 Vermonters age 70 and older had already signed up for their vaccine shots, after that age group had become eligible just three days earlier. That means Vermont will be able to open registration to the 65+ age group “very soon,” Scott said.

The hopeful COVID-19 data has also allowed progress on other pandemic regulations. Recently, the state allowed competitions for winter sports to proceed, and school music rehearsals and performances were given the green light as well. All these activities of course, must follow specific health guidelines, with no audiences or game crowds allowed. 

One of the state’s more stringent rules came just before the holidays: Vermont’s ban on multi-household gatherings. However, the governor on Friday said the state is taking a look at how the new CDC guidance may impact that rule, and he expects to make an announcement this week. 

All this comes amid a backdrop of steady improvement for COVID-19 data here and around the country. New cases in the U.S. have been on the decline since mid-January — same for Vermont and much of New England. The data suggests vaccines are a big part of that positive trend, and vaccination will speed up as more supply becomes available. 

Recent trends are indeed hopeful, and they help that light of progress shine brighter. For many individuals and business owners, those brighter days can’t come soon enough. Businesses need the larger crowds and greater traffic flow to survive, especially during the busier, warmer months. People deeply miss being able to gather with family and friends, and communities miss having the cherished annual events we all love. 

All those things remain possible. But first, we must renew our patience and our care for one another, and forge ahead through this winter of change. We can know that, although stages of progress may seem small with our hopes so great, they’re each a forward step and a reassurance that we’re heading the right direction. The hard work so many have done for their communities and the state is encouraging to remember as we face the shadows ahead. While we proceed, those challenges will shift as progress resolves them and guides us toward better days. The last several months have shown that the state, region and country can indeed make progress together. This is not only a chance to resolutely pursue that path, but to build a stronger future, using all we’ve learned during the pandemic. We’re equal to that task, and we have an opportunity to seize.

— Gareth Henderson

Wintry blast continues its widespread impact

The view behind the Woodstock History Center earlier this month. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The winter storm that pummeled the country this week may have left New England, but its impact persists elsewhere with severe power outages and major delays in vaccine distribution. At least two dozen people have died this week from weather-related incidents in the U.S., according to The Associated Press.

In Texas, power had been restored to over 600,000 people by Wednesday morning, but 2.7 million homes in the Lone Star State were still in the dark shortly before 2 p.m., NPR reported. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which runs about 75% of the state's power grid, acknowledged the hardship people are enduring in the extreme cold.

"We know millions of people are suffering," ERCOT's president and CEO, Bill Magness, said in a statement Wednesday. "We have no other priority than getting them electricity. No other priority."

ERCOT asked local utilities to shed 14,000 megawatts of load, which equates to around 2.8 million households. Some municipalities urged residents to reduce their electricity usage, and many had to issue boil-water notices.

The weather's impact also hampered the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts in Texas and elsewhere. In Vermont on Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott said White House officials warned governors that day about postponements in vaccine deliveries to different states due to the storm.

"I'm not sure how that will affect us, but stay tuned," Scott said.

On Wednesday, the delays hit some parts of the Northeast. In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city had to hold off making 30,000 to 35,000 vaccination appointments due to delayed distribution from elsewhere in the country due to weather, The Associated Press reported.

The heavy Arctic blast continued to impact Americans from the south-central U.S. to the mid-East Coast throughout Wednesday. Though some areas will see more moderate temperatures in the coming days, many will experience temps 20 to 35 degrees below normal such as the Great Plains, Mississippi Valley and the lower Great Lakes region, according to the National Weather Service.

— Gareth Henderson

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.

Moving the boat together

A wintry scene at Knox Meadow in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

Even in the most difficult times when hope seems distant, we can often find at least one proof of human goodness that encourages us and renews that sense of hope.

In a recent example from Seattle, a high-school student is helping seniors in his community who aren’t tech-savvy sign up online for the COVID-19 vaccine. Arin Jaff, 17, got the idea when he watched his grandparents struggle to book appointments through the system in Washington State, according to local station KING5. Jaff compared the process to getting concert tickets online, something not every senior is familiar with. 

Jaff, a member of his local crew team, told the station his effort was also inspired by thinking about his teammates and how they work together.

"I've decided to call it the 'Vaccine Crew,' because we're really working on those ethics that the supportive Crew brings, all moving as a whole in the community and moving the boat forward, together, unified," Jaff said. 

He hoped his efforts would inspire other young people to help their families and neighbors.

"There's nothing really special about what I'm doing really," Jaff told KING5. "If every teenager just helped even one person in their community get vaccinated, some of the most at-risk people, we could really move the boat together."

That sense of everyone rowing in the same direction for the greater good is a much-needed inspiration. That story is proof that unselfish effort can truly make a difference, and hopefully it will have a ripple effect and move others to help in their communities. Our best qualities have that effect — they expand, and touch other lives. Like a ray of sun, good expands to bless everyone in its path. By nature, it operates from abundance, not limitation; from brilliance, not gloom; from progress; not failure. Like the above example, our goodness will continue to radiate outward and find a way to bless people, while also enriching our lives. We all exist in that pattern, underpinned by goodness and inspiration, which compels us to “move the boat together.” 

— Gareth Henderson 

The state of Vermont’s COVID-19 vaccine page offers a video about how to make an appointment online. At this time, Vermonters age 75 and older are eligible to register.

Walgreens to provide vaccine at some Vt. sites

The sun brightens the landscape along River Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The state wants more COVID-19 vaccination sites in southern Vermont, and a federal program will soon help toward that goal.

Over 20 Walgreens locations in Vermont will become vaccination sites as part of the federal pharmacy program, and four of those are in the southern part of the state, according to Vermont Human Services Secretary Mike Smith. The program is slated to start at the end of this week, and is expected to deliver between 1,000 and 2,000 doses per week, Smith said at a Tuesday press briefing. That's over and above the state's current vaccine allotment.

Like the state's vaccination program, the federal pharmacy program will start off by vaccinating Vermonters age 75 and older. The state will issue a news release, and include a link on its website, once more information is available about the federal program.

Also on Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott announced that the federal government will be distributing an extra 500,000 vaccine doses nationwide over the next three weeks — part of the Biden administration's effort to ramp up vaccine distribution. That will mean about 500 more doses for Vermont. Scott learned the news at a phone call between U.S. governors and White House officials.

"Having the three-week supply is key for our planning, so I very much appreciate the way they're doing this," Scott said.

As of Tuesday, 65,100 eligible Vermonters had been vaccinated against COVID-19. Phase 2 of the state's vaccination effort continues, with Vermonters age 75 and older being currently eligible. The next part of Phase 2 includes the 70+ age group, which the governor said is likely to begin by the end of this month. So far, 32% of Vermonters in the 75+ age group have been vaccinated.

In other developments from Tuesday’s press conference, the Vermont Department of Labor continued its work to finalize a contract to provide identity theft protection to those impacted when tens of thousands of 1099-G tax forms were sent out to the wrong recipients. Those forms go to people who filed for unemployment benefits in 2020. Some of the incorrectly sent forms had matching names and social security numbers, but ended up at the wrong address. Officials announced this data breach early last week and cited a corrupted file as a factor in the improper mailings. An investigation is ongoing.

The identity theft protection, Scott said, is free and available to all 1099-G claimants, and will be retroactive to the date of the breach.

"My hope is that this will provide some reassurance, though I know it doesn't come close to making up for the harm and worry that this has caused Vermonters," Scott said. Instructions on how to sign up for the protection services will be sent to all claimants by mail.

The governor also addressed the cost of the breach — which is a lot less than it would have been if the state didn't have insurance. Scott said the state had previously purchased cyber insurance to protect Vermonters in exactly this type of situation.

"Instead of this costing many millions, it will be significantly less," Scott said. "We'll need to of course cover the $250,000 deductible, but the insurance will cover the rest, which is some good news."

— Gareth Henderson

Vaccination clinics continue through storm

A plow truck rolls through downtown Woodstock, Vermont, on Tuesday afternoon. (Gareth Henderson)

Parts of Vermont got up to a foot of snow on Tuesday, and though some roads became treacherous, the state's COVID-19 vaccination clinics remained open and just 21 appointments had been canceled due to weather as of 11 a.m. People who had to cancel due to the storm could either keep the same time for a different day this week, or set an entirely new appointment.

The state is currently vaccinating Vermonters age 75 and older, which is the first part of Phase 2 of its vaccination process. As of Tuesday morning, 87 appointments were available in Windsor County, according to Mike Smith, the state's secretary of human services. At a press briefing Tuesday, he said the state was looking at adding appointments at Mount Ascutney Hospital in Windsor starting next week, and allocating more vaccine doses to Springfield Hospital soon. The state is also adding appointment slots in Windham and Orange counties, as well as several locations in northern Vermont.

Along with the vaccination effort, the state has formed a working group which is discussing the best time to start opening up long-term care facilities to "congregate dining and other activities" once enough time has gone by for the vaccine to build up sufficient immunity for the residents, according to Smith. The residents and staff of those facilities were among the top-priority groups in the first phase of Vermont's vaccination process.

"Our seniors living in long-term care facilities have been isolated for far too long, and it is our hope to re-establish those social connections as soon as possible," Smith said.

All 37 skilled nursing facilities in Vermont have received their first and second doses of the vaccine, he added. Smith also said 87% of residential care facilities and 94% of assisted living facilities have received their first dose, with many of these individuals receiving their second dose as well.

Overall, state officials said the declining number of COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities is a key reason why the state has seen a gradual decline in case growth and COVID-19 death rate. However, Bennington County has seen a recent spike in cases, which the state is closely monitoring. Vermont's positivity rate remains around 2%, and the Northeast region's positivity rate recently dropped below 5% for the first time since November.

— Gareth Henderson

Vermont issues updates on vaccination rollout, sports activities

The sun shines through the woods by Cloudland Road in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

About a month after Vermont got its first vaccine doses, the state is about to launch Phase 2 of its COVID-19 vaccination plan.

The second phase includes Vermonters age 65 and older, and the state will organize the process in "age bands." The state is looking to vaccinate Vermonters in that group by the end of winter, as elderly individuals have shown the highest health risk to the virus. The first phase included the vaccination of residents and staff at long-term care facilities and health care workers — which is nearly complete.

On Jan. 25, appointments open for the first age band of Phase 2, which is all Vermonters age 75 and older, a group of about 50,000 people. Phone and online registration details will be announced closer to Jan. 25. The state projects this first group will take six weeks to be vaccinated. Vermont is currently getting a "very limited" supply, which is about 8,800 doses per week, said Mike Smith, Vermont's human services secretary.

At a Friday press briefing, Smith said Vermont is aiming for an orderly process to head off logistical issues seen elsewhere. That includes nearby New York, where hospitals and other facilities have had to cancel appointments due to low supply.

"Of course, what we really need is greater quantities of vaccine in the weeks ahead so that we can speed up our efforts, but we want to set appropriate expectations and communicate clearly where we are and what we expect, to avoid the frustration and disappointment we've seen in other states," Smith said.

To date, Vermont — with a population of over 620,000 — has administered COVID-19 vaccine doses to nearly 30,000 people. Once sign-ups begin for the 75+ age group, Smith is hoping many family members can step up to help their parents or grandparents register online.

“We are going to need children, grandchildren or other relatives help their older loved ones use the online tool as much as possible, to keep our call centers from being overwhelmed,” he said.

Once an appointment is locked in, Smith said, people need to make sure to keep it, so that scheduled doses are used and not spoiled. Another appointment will be made on-site for the second dose.

Throughout Friday's remarks, state officials appealed for patience, acknowledging many inquiries from Vermonters anxious to get their vaccine shot. The incoming Biden administration has made national vaccination distribution one of its highest priorities, and Smith said that if more doses become available, the state is ready to scale up the process quickly.

"We will have vulnerable Vermonters vaccinated by the end of the winter, and if the supply increases, we'll get to them faster," Smith said.

Currently, the state is making the complex preparations needed to launch this significant Phase 2. Officials urged the public to not call the state until the registration details are released later this month.

"By waiting until we have more details to share, you'll be helping our staff focus on the difficult and complex work to prepare for this next phase," said Dr. Mark Levine, the state's health commissioner.

Officials also said appointments will only be made through the state, not through your local health care providers. If an individual can't travel to a vaccine clinic, the state will be working with local EMS and home health agencies to provide the vaccine in those cases.

Smith said Vermont can be proud to have come this far in the vaccination process, but there's much left to be done. After the 75+ age group, the state will then focus on Vermonters in the 70+ range, and then 65+.

"Teams are working day and night to get (Phase 2) in place, with the goal of creating a rapid, efficient, workable process that will help save more lives," he said.

Levine was confident Vermonters could get through this together.

"I know that, with the same patience and understanding Vermonters have had throughout this pandemic, this vaccine will ultimately get us all closer to life as it once was with our family, friends and communities," he said.

In other news from Friday, Gov. Phil Scott announced that school and recreational sports are entering their own Phase 2. As of Monday, teams will be allowed to expand practices to include drills with limited contact and scrimmages, per the second phase of statewide sports guidance. Outdoor sports, such as downhill and cross-country skiing, will be able to practice in small groups.

The first phase allowed the return of youth sports several weeks ago, which allowed only skills training and drills.

“Since then, we've seen no spread of the virus tied to these activities, and spread within the schools remains low,” Scott said, noting the reason for the change. Games and scrimmages with other teams are still not allowed, and masks will still be required at all times.

Scott said he appreciated the place of sports in children’s lives.

"We know how important these activities are for our kids' well-being, both for their physical and mental health," he said. “It's my hope we'll soon be able to allow for competitions, but, as with every decision we make, it will be based on the data and the advice of our experts.”

— Gareth Henderson