VDH COVID-19 Update: Delta variant spreading, get your shot

COVID-19 Update

June 17, 2021

New or updated information is in red and bold

Published on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Also available online at healthvermont.gov/covid19

Click the “Vermont COVID-19 Update” button

“I trust the vaccine, but not the virus”

In interviews this week, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD has focused on encouraging those who have not yet gotten fully vaccinated to do so – and the sooner the better.

Vermont is the most vaccinated state in the U.S. Dr. Levine pointed out, however, that even a low incidence rate of cases is not zero, and that the virus still has cards to play. “I trust the vaccine, but I do not trust this virus,” said Dr. Levine, noting that in some parts of the world fewer than two percent of the population have access to the vaccine. What this means is there is still significant opportunity for the virus to mutate into variants that can threaten the health of people in Vermont who have not yet been vaccinated.

Dr. Levine cited the increase in cases associated with the Delta variant, first identified in India, as an important reason to get vaccinated. This variant – which accounts for about 10% of cases in the U.S. and more than 90% of new cases in the United Kingdom – is showing traits of being far more contagious and potentially more dangerous than the more common strains circulating. Three cases of this variant have been identified in Vermont.

National data is showing that most serious illness and hospitalizations are occurring among people who are not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Dr. Levine appealed to Vermonters who have not yet gotten their shots to visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine for answers to their questions about the vaccine, “or talk to a friend, a loved one or your doctor, and find your reason to get vaccinated.”

Wide range of vaccination options continue to be available

Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced that nearly 60 vaccination clinics are planned this week throughout Vermont. People can visit healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine to find one of the many nearby, fast and free vaccination opportunities available.

In addition, most pharmacies are offering walk-in vaccinations. Ask your local pharmacist or simply walk into a CVS, Hannaford Food and Drug, Walmart, Walgreens, Price Chopper/Market 32, Rite Aid, Shaw’s Supermarket, or Costco.

New vaccination options are being added regularly, so if one doesn’t work out, keep checking back. It’s easy to find one that fits your schedule and preferences.

New Health Department videos showcase why Vermonters ultimately got vaccinated

The Health Department has launched a new ad campaign featuring real Vermonters who came to walk-in clinics and agreed to share their reasons for getting vaccinated. Check them out here!

The videos -- which are now airing on TV and radio, as well as on YouTube and other streaming venues -- are unique in that, at first, the people featured weren’t “all in” on getting vaccinated. They still had questions or wanted to see how other people they knew did.

These Vermonters describe their concerns and how or why they overcame them, some by doing their research into the vaccines, and others deciding to move forward in order to protect their loved ones.

Watch and share these stories about why these fellow Vermonters ultimately chose to get vaccinated.

You can also find inspiring videos featuring people from around the state talking about what they look forward to once they get vaccinated, and several with Dr. Levine discussing vaccine safety and effectiveness. Visit our YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/HealthVermont for these and many other important public health topics.

Vermont Vaccination Data

Find Health Department vaccine data– including vaccination rates by county, age, sex, race and ethnicity – at the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard. Data is updated Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-vaccine-data.

COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

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

Data as of 12 p.m. on June 17, 2021: