Vermonters of color to be eligible for Covid vaccine starting Thursday

[TexasTowelie]

Vermonters 16 and over who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color — along with members of their household — will be able to register for the Covid-19 vaccine starting Thursday, officials announced at a Tuesday press conference.

The state also expanded eligibility to parents of children with severe medical conditions. They become eligible to register for the vaccine on Wednesday, March 31.

These eligibility categories are on top of the state’s current age-based vaccine eligibility system, which is currently open to Vermonters 50 and older.

“Our data also shows us that we have much farther to go with progress through our vaccination efforts,” said Dr. Mark Levine, the state health commissioner.

Read more: https://vtdigger.org/2021/03/30/all-people-of-color-in-vermont-will-be-eligible-for-the-vaccine-on-thursday/

[Throck]

1. What good is eligibility if the supply isn't there?

It's like hitting the lottery then losing the ticket.

Stand in line in the grocery store only to have the cashier close it at when it's your turn.

[janterry]

2. I haven't heard that we have any problems with supply

n/t

[Throck]

5. Many appointment list are currently closed, taking no new appointments.

It's been pretty much on all the network news.

[janterry]

6. I had no idea, in my town there are appointments

I thought throughout the state things were going very well (I only half listened to the Gov.'s news conference Tuesday - tbh, I'm getting tired of them). (I did read the NEK was presenting some problems ofc)

Well, I learned something. Pooh

[Throck]

8. If they get the essential medical people and nursing homes first they're doing the right thing.

The two RN's I know and my 87 year old mom, they're in the club. The rest of the world can stay away from me. I can wait as needed so other priority people can get theirs. For years I've been of the opinion some of my co-workers are non-essential.

[rownesheck]

3. Were Vermonters of color

not eligible before?!

[Throck]

4. The ethnic communities have been a little reluctant to get vaccinated.

Ethnic communities also suffered a little higher COVID rate early on last year.

Society has to respond to encourage everyone to get vaccinated.

[janterry]

7. They age banded most of the vaccinations

Vermont is a largely older state (I mean, we really skew old!). So we vaccinated the very elderly first.

We have very little diversity and it tends to skew young (college students). There ARE larger communities of color up in Chittenden County. The push from the Gov is to prioritize them now. But I know in my town they opened up the vaccination clinic to folks of color and they expected fewer than 100 people (we are not the smallest town in the state, by far).

Our Gov. recently called for more immigration in the state - we're looking for ways to be more diverse .