Vaccinations

Vermont’s announcement follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to significantly narrow eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, and is the latest example of a state breaking with the federal government over immunizations.

Vermont leaders and doctors react to the CDC's changes to COVID vaccine guidance.

The bulk of the $7 million retracted from the Vermont Department of Health had been dedicated to collaborative initiatives like making multilingual, educational videos about vaccinations and setting up pediatric vaccine clinics outside regular office hours.

Nearly 30 people in Vermont have come down with whooping cough this summer. The disease, also known as pertussis, is caused by a bacteria that damages the airways of the lungs. It's is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Pharmacies in Vermont are now allowed to give COVID-19 shots to kids ages 3 and older. And Vermont Medicaid, also called Doctor Dynasaur, will cover the cost of the vaccines at pharmacies.

The cold weather is returning, which means a lot of Vermonters are spending more time indoors. State health officials say the threat of COVID-19 remains quite low in the state. At the same time — there are indications that the current dominant strain of the virus is more contagious, with less severe symptoms than many previous strains.

Animal carriers of the virus include various rodents, dogs, primates, hedgehogs and shrews, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Scientists in Britain have detected multiple versions of the virus in wastewater. Officials say the risk to the public is extremely low and urge people to ensure their polio vaccines are up to date.

The first big hurdle was crossed when Pfizer shared its clinical trial data with the FDA. Now there are five more steps to get through before this vulnerable population can be vaccinated.

Join us for our regular health update with Vermont health commissioner Dr. Mark Levine. He answers your questions about the COVID-19 pandemic.