VDH COVID-19 Update: Delta variant likely to become dominant strain

Vermont Business Magazine Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, noted Tuesday that even with low levels of COVID in Vermont, the virus still has the potential to change — and to threaten the health of those who are not yet vaccinated. Public health experts now believe the Delta variant will likely become predominant in the US within weeks, Dr Levine said. The variant is showing traits of being far more contagious and may potentially result in more serious illness. Meanwhile, the VDH is reporting three new cases of COVID-19 and no deaths, which are holding at 256. There has been only one death in the last five weeks in Vermont. The state has the highest vaccination rate (CDC: 81.3%), lowest case count and fewest fatalities in the nation.

COVID-19 Update 

June 22, 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

Don’t let virus variants threaten our progress — get vaccinated!

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, noted Tuesday that even with low levels of COVID in Vermont, the virus still has the potential to change — and to threaten the health of those who are not yet vaccinated.

Public health experts now believe the Delta variant will likely become predominant in the US within weeks, Dr. Levine said. The variant is showing traits of being far more contagious and may potentially result in more serious illness.

“The parts of the country where vaccination rates are much lower are expected to have significant outbreaks, and we are already seeing early signs of that,” Dr. Levine said. “But luckily there is good news for us here in Vermont. The vaccine is effective and our best defense against this, and other, variants. Because of our state’s high vaccination rate, we will be largely protected.”

“But we still need as many Vermonters as possible to protect themselves — and those around them — who can’t yet get the vaccine. All you need to do is get vaccinated,” Dr. Levine said.

He asked Vermonters to reach out to anyone they know who isn’t vaccinated.

“Encourage them to talk to a health care provider or help them find their own personal reason to get vaccinated,” Dr. Levine said. “These conversations aren’t always easy, but listening and being empathetic and non-judgmental can go a long way. And then helping provide information to address their concerns or questions.”

You can also help make vaccination happen for them, like finding a site, or offering transportation or childcare. Get more tips here.

Vaccination clinics are still going strong — find one near you!

See list of Walk-in Clinics below.

Human Services Secretary Mike Smith announced dozens of 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 keep checking back. It’s easy to find one that fits your schedule and preferences.

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 22, 2021: 

Find a walk-in clinic here