For Immediate Release: February 23, 2021
Media Contact:
Ben Truman │ Vermont Department of Health
802-316-2117 / 802-863-7281
CV19media@vermont.gov
Vermont Vaccination Efforts to Expand Next Week to People Age 65 and Older
Most older Vermonters have been scheduled to receive at least their first dose
BURLINGTON, VT – Beginning on March 1, Vermonters age 65 and older will be able to make their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Health officials said this expansion – coming less than two weeks after scheduling was opened to people age 70 to 74 – reflects both the great progress of the state’s Phase 3 vaccination program and the interest of Vermonters in getting vaccinated.
Vermonters 65 years old and above will be able to make an appointment online at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine starting at 8:15 a.m. on March 1. Anyone who has previously been eligible to receive a vaccine continues to be eligible and can make their appointments now.
Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online, needs help, or who wants to speak with someone in a language other than English can call 855-722-7878. The call center is open Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you are in the 65-69 age group, please do not call to make an appointment until March 1.
Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that as of Tuesday, over 91,000 Vermonters have been vaccinated against COVID-19. 44,700 Vermonters have received their first dose and 46,400 have received their final dose. The Health Department reports that 66% of Vermonters age 75 and older, and 18% of those 70 to 74 years old, have received at least their first dose of vaccine.
New users will first be asked to create an account, then they can select a place, date and time to get vaccinated. People who already have an account because they were tested through a Health Department site, will use the same account to make their vaccination appointment.
Everyone can create their account now at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. In fact, this is encouraged to save time when it is their turn to make an appointment.
Vaccination sites are available around the state, and people can choose a nearby location when making their appointment. In addition to the Health Department clinics, Kinney Drugs and Walgreens have joined the effort as participating pharmacies.
People will get either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Most people will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to watch for adverse reactions. Information about side effects and how to report any adverse reactions will be provided.
Appointments to receive a second dose will be made at the time of their vaccination. Getting fully vaccinated provides the best protection against the virus. The Health Department will provide more information about registration for the next eligible groups when it is available.
Find answers to common questions and watch a video about how to make your appointment at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine.
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