VDH COVID-19 Update: Gathering limits loosened, vaccines for medical conditions start Monday

COVID-19 Daily Update

March 5, 2021

New or updated information is in red and bold

This update is available online at healthvermont.gov/covid19

Click the “See the Daily Update” button

New Guidance Expands Gathering Options for Vaccinated People in Vermont

Gov. Phil Scott announced at Friday’s press conference that effective today, people who are vaccinated can gather with other vaccinated individuals at their homes.

“For example, if eight fully vaccinated individuals wanted to get together at someone’s house for dinner, they’re now able to do so,” Gov. Scott said. “This can also include one other household that is not vaccinated.”

Gov. Scott acknowledged this will likely lead to other questions, and he expects to have further announcements next week.

Vaccination Eligibility Expands Monday to People Age 55+ with High-Risk Conditions

Starting Monday, March 8, Vermonters ages 55+ with certain high-risk health conditions are eligible for FREE COVID-19 vaccines.

High-risk health conditions include:

• Current cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis
• Heart disease
• Immunocompromised / Weakened immune system
• Severe obesity (BMI of 40 or more)
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes (Types 1 & 2)
• Disabilities, including chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and disabilities that affect lung function
• Sickle cell disease

For a detailed list of eligible conditions and to sign-up for your vaccine, visit HealthVermont.gov/MyVaccine. If registering online is not an option, you can make an appointment by calling (855) 722-7878.

Please note: You do NOT need a doctor’s note or proof of a health condition to sign up. The Health Department may use the information you provide to confirm your eligibility, either through medical records or by contacting your provider. The department may also reach out to people who don’t have a provider to offer a connection to care.

Vaccination Information for Education and Child Care Systems

The K-12 education community and regulated childcare program staff will receive information on how and when they will be vaccinated, and instructions on how to register, directly from their employers.

Please do not try to make an appointment until you hear from your employer. Appointments will occur over the next few weeks. If you have questions, please contact your school’s COVID-19 coordinator.

New on Healthvermont.gov

It has been almost exactly one year since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Vermont. Since that time, numerous Health Department staff have been pulled from their regular duties to help respond to the pandemic, including the members of the Data Team who contribute to the Weekly Data Summary. This week’s spotlight showcases some public health issues and data that we would normally be highlighting, including:

• Climate & Health
• Non-COVID Infectious Diseases
• Suicide Prevention & Mental Health
• The Opioid Epidemic & Substance Misuse
• Vermonters with Disabilities
• Diabetes & Heart Disease Prevention

COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on March 5, 2021

Data is updated daily.

Find more data on COVID-19 Activity at: healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.

COVID-19 Vaccine Data

As of 12 p.m. on March 5, 2021

Data is updated Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Find more vaccine data on the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19-vaccine-data.

Additional Resources About Vaccination and More

• Find answers to your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine from the CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.
• Get Vermont-specific information in our Frequently Asked Questions.
• Sign up for the COVID-19 Weekly Email Update.
• Find information sheets, posters and toolkits, as well as translated materials on our Resources 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.

You can also get more information and resources:

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.