Innkeepers are a busy bunch. To save you time, VLA attends Governor Scott’s Covid-19 Press Conferences and takes notes for you. Below is the summary from 3.2.21
Governor Scott and his administration officials announced today that beginning next week, the State will begin to offer teachers and school staff and childcare providers the option of registering for clinics in their district. Alternatively, this group will be able to make appointments for the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at Walgreens, which is part of the federal pharmacy program. Beginning on March 8, Vermonters from age 55-64 with high risk medical conditions can register to receive a vaccine, and beginning March 15, Vermonters age 16 and older with high risk medical conditions can receive vaccines.
NOTES:
- Gov. Scott:
- The next phase of the State’s vaccination efforts will begin on March 8 for Vermonters with certain high-risk conditions.
- With additional supply coming to the state, a new track of the vaccine rollout starting next week to include school staff and childcare providers, as well as an expansion of the definition of first responders under Phase 1A.
- With Johnson & Johnson receiving approval over the weekend, on top of increased supply from Moderna and Pfizer, we’ll be able to scale up and move quicker to get more people vaccinated.
- Secretary Mike Smith:
- Vaccine allocation from the federal government will allow the state to increase its capacity to administer vaccines to 25,000 first doses of vaccine per week by March 15, and to 35,000 per week by the end of the month.
- 106,300 Vermonters have gotten at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. More than 20,200 people have made appointments in the 65-69 group (out of about 42,0000) since eligibility opened yesterday.
- By March 15th, the state will be able to administer 25K 1st round doses per week and by the end of the month the state should be able to administer 30K 1st doses per week. The National Guard is being called up to start doing vaccination events.
- Walmart will begin administering the vaccine, through the state program. Smith says people should register at the state website, not by calling Walmart.
- Beginning March 8th: registration opens to Vermonters 16-64 with high risk medical conditions. This is about 75,000 Vermonters. So the phase will be divided into two segments: those age 55 and above (Phase 5A), and those younger than that (Phase 5B).
- For Phase 5A, registration begins on 3/8. For the younger group, registration begins on 3/15. You will be asked to self-certify eligibility. You’ll also be asked to give info of a health care provider, if you have one. If you don’t have a doctor, you can still get the vaccine.
- Beginning next week, the State will begin to offer teachers and school staff and childcare providers the option of registering for clinics in their district. Alternatively, this group will be able to make appointments for the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at Walgreens, which is part of the federal pharmacy program.
- Commissioner Mark Levine:
- 70 new cases, and 1 death
- People with high-risk conditions, which includes approximately 75,000 Vermonters, will be divided into two segments: Phase 5A (Vermonters 55 years old and above with high-risk conditions) will be eligible to register beginning March 8, and Phase 5B (Vermonters 16 and older with high-risk conditions) can register beginning March 15. These groups will be able to register through the State’s standard registration process once their category is opened.
- In addition to previously announced high-risk conditions, this phase will also include current cancer, heart disease, pregnancy and disabilities that involve chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome and those with compromised lung function. People with these conditions will not need to get documentation of these conditions to receive the vaccine. The full list of conditions can be seen at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine.
- The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is rated as highly effective at preventing serious illness, as are the two vaccines we already have. It’s a single shot that can be kept in normal refrigeration, which makes it easier to distribute and administer. Data for this vaccine showed 100% protection against hospitalization, ICU admission and death.
- Questions:
- Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increased next week.
- Already have first round of J&J vaccine in hand – 5k. Will not be distribution next week. Nothing guaranteed the following week. Teaming up with Merck for production. But shouldn’t affect vaccination plan for teachers and school staff. Fed pharmacy program is being increased.
- Gov. Scott will say next week how he voted on his town voting to allow cannabis businesses.
- Aid for Vermont businesses in fed package? Cautious about it at this time, because we don’t know what the final bill will look like.
- Physical distancing in schools is an issue – the 6 foot guidance was in high transmission areas. Other mitigation factors that can be used. Opened windows and doors, fans. New CDC guidance coming.
- Would like people to have choice of vaccine – we’ll be working out details.
- Will take longer to know if J&J vaccine protects against PASC – Post Acute Symptoms from Covid. But does protect against serious efforts. High efficacy rates of vaccine. Both Dr. Levine and Gov Scott would take now if they could.
- Everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be able to get vaccine by late July, early August.
- By March – have 1/3 of Vermont vaccinated.
- Will be consulting with schools about continuation of remote learning in tandem with increased in-person in coming weeks.
- Trials not completed for those under 16 – hopefully in the fall. Mask wearing continuing as we continue with vaccination process.
- Outdoor masking may not be necessary in July.
- Coaches are eligible for vaccine.
- In discussions with Hannafords and Costco re: coming online for vaccine distribution.
- For bigger school districts – will do clinic with National Guard. Smaller districts and schools, will send Dept of Health into schools.