VDH COVID-19 Update: Over 21,000 signup for vaccine on first day

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

January 25, 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

Over 21,100 People 75 and Older Scheduled for Vaccination on First Day of Registration

Vermonters age 75 and older began booking appointments for their COVID-19 vaccine Monday. On just the first day, more than 21,100 appointments were scheduled for the coming weeks – a rate state health officials called greatly encouraging. The vaccinations will take place at Health Department clinics, Kinney Drugs and other locations around the state beginning Jan. 27.

You can visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine to schedule your appointment online. If you can’t do so online, you can make your appointment by phone at 855-722-7878 during these hours:

Monday-Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Anyone who needs to speak with someone in a language other than English can call the same number, then press 1.

Relatives or friends are encouraged as appropriate to assist people who are eligible in making an appointment. The Health Department thanks people for their patience with any delays or technical issues encountered as the system accommodates the thousands of appointments being scheduled. Issues are being addressed and the call center and FAQs will help people get the support and information they need. The call center number is also 855-722-7878.

Learn more about what information you will need to make the appointment on healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. You’ll also find links to Frequently Asked Questions and a video about the online process.

People who receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine will get either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Like when receiving other immunizations, most people will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to watch for reactions. They will also be given information about possible side effects and how to report any adverse reactions.

After getting their first dose, clinic staff will help people make an appointment to receive their second dose. Getting fully vaccinated with both doses provides the best protection against the virus.

The COVID-19 vaccine supply from the federal government is still limited, which is why vaccinations are being rolled out in phases, beginning with those who are most likely to experience severe illness and death from COVID-19. The Health Department will provide more information about registration for the next eligible groups when it is available.

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 25, 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.