By Lisa Rathke
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Here are the latest developments regarding the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic
VermontVermonters ages 80 and older can now sign up for a Pfizer vaccine booster shot against COVID-19, and eligibility will be expanded in a week to those ages 18 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions, state officials said Friday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday endorsed booster shots for millions of older or otherwise vulnerable Americans six months after receiving their second dose.
Vermont has set up a registration schedule for statewide clinics broken down by age groups.
Vermonters ages 75 and older can start signing up for booster shot appointments on Monday, followed by 70 and up on Wednesday and 65 and older next Friday, Oct. 1.
Booster shots are available where Pfizer vaccines are offered, including at a Health Department clinic, pharmacy or health care provider, state officials said. People must make an appointment to get a shot at a state clinic and are asked to bring their vaccine cards with them. Information can be found on the Vermont Health Department website.
“Even though COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are highly effective, a booster dose gives your body extra protection,” Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said in a written statement. “Getting vaccinated – and receiving a booster shot when you are eligible – is especially important as the world continues to face the Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19.”
The numbers: On Friday, the Vermont Department of Health reported 238 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to more than 32,600.
There were 42 people hospitalized with COVID-19, including 15 in intensive care.
The state reported three additional fatalities, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 304.
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Vermont has risen over the past two weeks from 149.43 on Sept. 8 to 206.57 on Sept. 22.
The seven-day rolling average of daily deaths in Vermont has risen over the past two weeks from 0.57 on Sept. 8 to 1 on Sept. 22.
The Associated Press is using data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering to measure outbreak caseloads and deaths across the U.S.
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