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