ST JOHNSBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – Cooler temperatures have more people headed indoors, raising the risk for the spread of seasonal flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses. But how many people are lining up to get vaccinated for those preventable illnesses?
“I am 83-years-old. I want to be around for a while longer and I do believe it helps,” said Pauline Roy, a St. Johnsbury resident who says she
gets her COVID vaccine every year and was waiting for the bus Wednesday to get to her appointment. “I think whatever happened, it’s here for a long time. I do not believe it is as serious as it was because people are more conscious about getting the COVID vaccine.”
But others, like Martin Kimbell from New Hampshire, say they aren’t sure the vaccine is necessary. “I believe that the disease has morphed and changed to the point where we probably don’t need it anymore,” he said.
Vermont health officials say more than 31,000 people have received the updated COVID vaccine since July. It is available statewide, with a dozen vaccine sites coming online this week. About 166,000 people — or about 26% of the state’s population — got the vaccine last year.
“The virus itself has changed over time. It really depends on you and what your health conditions are. We are definitely seeing COVID deaths still, and hospitalizations still. So, it’s not gone. The risk is not zero,” said Merideth Plumpton with the Vermont Department of Health.