MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Government Phil Scott announced on Friday that the vaccine registration for high school students from 16 to 18 will open on Saturday, two days before the general population window of 16 plus opens on Monday.
The governor says that opening registration for high school students a little earlier will give them the opportunity to personally complete the school year with further COVID protection. The registration for vaccination will open at 10am on Saturday and 16 and 17 year olds will need their parent or guardian’s permission. Those under 18 get the Pfizer shot, which is the only one approved for that age group. The sign-up window for 16 plus vaccinations will open as planned on Monday at 06:00.
The state of Vermont has reached a vaccination milestone with more than half of adults now having at least one dose of COVID vaccine. Presumptive health officials reported as of Friday that at least 51% had received one dose, or nearly 93,000 individuals. It is estimated that 34.1% completed all of their doses, or more than 186,000 individuals. Bennington County leads the state with 56% and Essex County continues with only 40%.
Following the “pause” of the Johnson-and-Johnson vaccine this week due to rare blood clotting episode, health officials in Vermont said Thursday that the appointments for those who want the vaccine are now canceled until Friday, April 23rd. recreating those who lost appointments by the end of this month.
COVID variants have now been discovered in 10 of the 14 provinces of the state, but dr. Health Commissioner Mark Levine says it is likely in every country. The most common is the British variant.
The number of COVID cases in schools is increasing. Vt. Education Secretary Dan French says schools see an average of 10 to 20 new infections a day. A recent survey among 85% of schools in the state found that 55% use a hybrid model, 33% personally and 12% are still remote.
French says students still learning from home receive $ 120 a month in federal food benefits. The families of hybrid students will also continue to receive food money to replace free or reduced lunch for students who qualify. It contains an EBT card and is approximately 33,000 students. Eligible households will be notified and the benefits should start on 29 April.
French said the state is optimistic that districts can hold end-of-year events such as graduation ceremonies and promotions.
The governor extended the state of emergency by another month, giving him the power to draft COVID rules until May 15.
The number of COVID deaths in the state is increasing. An additional nine Vermonters have died in the past three days, bringing the total death toll to 242. As of Friday, health officials in Vermont reported 141 new cases of coronavirus for a total of 21,803. The state average positive seven-day average is 1.9%. A total of 370 019 people were tested and 18 040 recovered.
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