Patients 16 and up, sign up for your COVID-19 vaccine!

The big day has finally arrived!  All adults aged 16 and older in America are now eligible to get a COVID-19 immunization!

Don’t wait!  The number of COVID-19 cases in Vermont over the past month is as high as it’s ever been.  This is likely due to the predominance of the B.1.1.7 variant, which is 50% more contagious.  It may also be due in part to increased social activity in the setting of pandemic fatigue and hopefulness with the vaccines out.  Please get your shot early so that we can beat back this surge!  Don’t wait for more people to get the shot to see if it works or is safe.  209 million doses have been given in the US alone!  These may be the most effective vaccines ever produced!  Side effects are relatively minor.

The CDC tracks all vaccine adverse events, and so far they have not identified patterns in cause of death that would indicate a safety problem with the COVID-19 vaccines.  Meanwhile 567,000 Americans have died of COVID-19.  Your chance of death is massively higher from COVID-19 than it is from a COVID-19 vaccine.

Please go to this website to get instructions on how to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine:

https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19-vaccine

The following is taken directly from the VDH website:

“If you are 16-17 years old, you will only see appointments for the Pfizer vaccine since that is the only vaccine that is authorized for people age 16 and 17. 

For the state appointment system and appointments made through CVS, your parent or guardian will need to review the consent forms and check the box giving their consent for you to get the vaccine. Your parent or guardian does not need to go with you to your appointment.

Kinney and Walgreens require a parent or guardian to be present and give consent at the appointment.”

Good luck, and thank you!