News

Finally, the good news we all need: after a difficult year, it appears that the U.S. pandemic may be turning a corner. Below are six reports with statistics that show that progress is being made against COVID-19.

As I reflect back on what was happening at this time last year, I am incredulous at the progress we’ve made in the battle against COVID-19. We first learned of the virus in China in December 2019, it came to the U.S. in January 2020, and by mid-March 2020, the world was shutting down in an effort to quell transmission of the virus. A year ago, none of us had any idea what lay in store, and the prevailing mood was fear and uncertainty. Now, just 13 months later, almost 20% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Although springtime is slow to arrive in Vermont, as always, there is a definite spring in our steps here at Grace Cottage as we continue to vaccinate 350-400 people per week in our COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic (also known as the Community Wellness Building, which continues to be an appropriate name for the building’s current use).

We are delighted to be administering first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for anyone age 75 and older who lives, works, or accesses primary care in Vermont. We are providing second doses for group 1A today (healthcare providers and first-responders), and we begin vaccinating the general public, age 75 and up, tomorrow. If you know of someone in this age category in our area who hasn’t yet received their first dose, please encourage them to call 855-722-7878 or go to the Vermont Department of Health’s website to schedule an appointment at Grace Cottage.

The question on almost everyone’s mind right now is “When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?” Many people have been calling, e-mailing, texting, and even stopping us on the street or in the grocery store to ask this. We understand that your level of frustration may be mounting as days and weeks go by with no update, and we ask for your patience as the state of Vermont continues to develop its plan for the next phase of distribution.