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 11.2.21.
Governor Scott and his team spent much of the press conference discussing the pending approval for kids age 5-11 to receive the Pfizer vaccine and urging parents to get their kids vaccinated as soon possible. (Sidenote: the panel voted 14-0 this afternoon in favor of the shots. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky is expected to quickly endorse the administration of shots, allowing doctors and others to start administering them). Secretary Smith said that parents would be able to register their children for the vaccine at 8 a.m. the morning after final approval. Ninety-six school clinics serving 112 schools will be administering shots over the next six weeks.
NOTES:
- Commissioner Mike Pieciak:
- Continues to be an uncertain picture in Vermont.
- Across the country – flattening of cases (but up just a little bit).
- NE – slow and steady decrease in cases. Individual case rates vary.
- 14 day average down 8%.
- Testing down, case rate up last 7 days.
- 5-11 year-old age group highest group of cases per capita.
- Stable in Long Term Care Facilities.
- Governor Phil Scott:
- CDC Advisory Committee meeting today and we believe that they will be moving forward with approval of vaccine for kids 5-11. Then approval by CDC Director. Green light could come as soon as tonight.
- If it comes tonight – then registration for kids will be open 8 a.m. tomorrow – with vaccinations beginning as soon as Thursday.
- Will reduce chance of Covid and keep kids in school.
- Get your kids vaccinated.
- Dr. Rebecca Bell – Vermont Pediatricians
- Smaller dose – timing similar to larger doses.
- Recommend it to every child age eligible. Data is very convincing that vaccine is safe and effective for this age group.
- Side effects – Fewer systemic side effects. Mild and go away in a day or so. No major side effects.
- Impossible to predict what adolescents will have serious illness from Covid – some who have had serious illness have had no underlying conditions.
- Community sites will have first available vaccines.
- Forums with pediatricians will be held throughout November to answer parent questions.
- Deputy Secretary Heather Bouchey:
- Afterschool and summer program task force
- Grant program details are forthcoming.
- Social Emotional Learning website has many resources to help school students and staff (education.vermont.gov/content/sel-vt)
- Secretary Mike Smith:
- Morning following CDC approval – can make appointments for kids to get vaccine.
- 96 school clinics serving 112 schools over next 6-week period. Goal is to get as many kids vaccinated before holiday break as possible.
- 23,400 doses expected in Vermont by the end of this week. More will become available after first allocation.
- Open enrollment for health and dental plans opened yesterday for Vermont Health Connect – federal subsidies should lower cost for some Vermonters.
- Last week – first public session for those who want to comment on long health care wait times.
- Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine:
- New study – shows that vaccination provides stronger protection than those who were infected.
- Dr. Fauci – said that current mitigation and vaccination strategy should help turn things around for our state.
- Questions:
- Scott: Judge Beth Robinson a great choice.
- In response to ? about head of Vermont Republican Party not running for re-election and whether he supports Paul Dame – Scott said that Dame would be a good choice but that he’s not participating in the meeting.
- Scott: Legislature previously voted to end homeless program – but willing to work with them this upcoming session. Smith – Will also be implementing adverse weather program – loosens eligibility requirements for the program. Still 1500 people housed in hotel rooms.
- Levine: Recommendations for Thanksgiving remain, because even if kids get shot now, they won’t be fully protected yet.
- Smith: Re: contact tracing – 150 FTE and expect 24-48 hours turnaround time. Levine – close contacts should also be notified by person who has case.
- Levine: Antigen test in schools requires a machine – so can’t be done in homes. But there are approved tests sold in pharmacies – supply chain issue, so state is not supplying them right now.
- Re: VPA governing sports? Scott – Their first mission is to protect the kids…came to the correct decision (regarding press allowed at the soccer game).
- Scott: Need to attract more people into the state for our workforce – need at least the $250 million that I’ve proposed for housing.