VDH COVID-19 Update: Vermonters 75 and older get vaccinated starting tomorrow

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

January 26, 2021

New or updated information is in red and bold

This update is available online at healthvermont.gov/covid19

Click the “See the Latest Update” button

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s COVID-19 web and data pages
healthvermont.gov/covid19

First COVID-19 Vaccinations for Vermonters 75 and Older Begin Tomorrow

As of late this afternoon, nearly 28,600 Vermonters age 75 and older have now made appointments for their COVID-19 vaccine. The vast majority of the appointments were made on the first day registration opened, which state leaders called a great win for public health.

The first vaccinations for this age group begin Wednesday at Health Department clinics, Kinney Drugs and other locations around the state.

In the meantime, the Health Department continues to work with the Agency of Digital Services to quickly address issues we’ve heard about from some of people who went online or called to make appointments. For example, the web portal now includes a field to confirm your email – which will help prevent errors when entering an email address to receive registration and appointment information – in addition to other adjustments.

The Health Department thanks people for sharing any problems they encountered, in addition to their patience and understanding throughout the process of scheduling appointments for thousands of Vermonters. We also remind Vermonters there are enough appointments for everyone who is eligible.

You can visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine to learn more, find links to Frequently Asked Questions and watch a video about the online process.

Keep up Prevention and Testing

While we wait for vaccine to become more widely available to Vermonters, we must keep up our prevention practices, including physical distancing, mask-wearing, handwashing and staying home when we’re sick.

You can also help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by getting tested. If you want to get tested for COVID-19 and have no symptoms, you can visit a location near you. There are now more than 15 regular locations throughout the state, and more of them are now open daily. Many sites now allow you to take a sample yourself, using a short swab in your nose. It’s quick, easy and free.

Register for a test by visiting healthvermont.gov/covid19testing. (You will need to create an account to register.)

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your health care provider so they can refer you for testing. If you don’t have a provider, you can call 2-1-1.

New on healthvermont.gov

There have been 25 outbreaks in K-12 schools. On average, there are three cases per school outbreak. Learn more about COVID-19 in K-12 schools in the latest Weekly Data Summary Spotlight.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on January 26, 2021

* Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+ Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more data at: healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.

Guidance for Vermonters and Businesses

Health information, guidance and data: healthvermont.gov/covid19

Sector guidance: accd.vermont.gov/covid-19

Modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling

Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response

Get the information you need at our Frequently Asked Questions.

School & Child Care Guidance

• Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Vermont Schools
• Mental Health: A Strong and Healthy Start: Social, Emotional and Mental Health Supports During COVID-19
• Child care: Health Guidance for Child Care and Out of School Care

More resources on the Your Community web page.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

Call your local mental health crisis line.

Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Visit our Coping With Stress web page.

Get connected to Alcohol and Drug Support Services at VT Helplink.

Get self-help tips and connect to mental health services at COVID Support VT.