How to register for the Covid vaccine

The state registration system for the Covid-19 vaccination is now open.

To register, visit healthvermont.gov/myvaccine (preferred) or call 855-722-7878.

You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, address, email (if available), phone number, and health insurance information (if available, but not required).

All Vermonters 75 and over are eligible for the vaccine. Through the registration system, individuals will register for appointments at clinics across the state.

At each appointment, medical providers will administer the first dose of the vaccine. It’s a blow to the arm that doctors and nurses have likened to a typical flu shot.

The Covid vaccine requires two injections, given about three weeks apart, to be more effective. Patients will schedule an appointment for their second dose when they receive their initial injection.

State officials have asked those who register:

• Use the online system, if possible, to prevent the phone lines from being overwhelmed. If registrants need help with the online system, the state suggests Vermont youth help older parents register online.
• Register at the site closest to you.
• Stick to your appointment – no-shows or last minute cancellations could result in wasted doses of the vaccine.

I am not 75 or older. When can I get vaccinated?

The state prioritizes residents by age. After the current age group, Vermonters 70 and over will be eligible. Next, Vermonters 65 and over.

Vermonters with underlying health issues come next. As of now, these conditions include: current cancer cases, chronic kidney disease, COPD or emphysema, a variety of heart problems, any immunocompromised disease, severe obesity, type 2 diabetes, syndrome de Down, sickle cell anemia and pregnancy.

State officials have said they plan to complete the population 65 and over by the end of winter.

How will I know when my group is eligible?

The state will announce when each new group is eligible to schedule appointments. VTDigger is following these developments closely; our Covid-19 email newsletter is a perfect way to be notified when guidelines change.

Do I have to live in Vermont to get the vaccine in Vermont?

In general, yes. Patients will be asked to provide their Vermont address when registering for an appointment.

But the Department of Health also provides vaccines to people who work in Vermont, see a primary care doctor in Vermont, or have recently moved to Vermont and have not yet established a residence. You will be able to provide this information when you register.

What if I live in Vermont, but usually see a doctor in another state?

You still need to register and get vaccinated in Vermont.

What about Vermonters who are homebound or unable to make it to a clinic?

Officials said there will be mobile EMS clinics for Vermonters going home, but details are not yet available.

What if I already have Covid?

The Department of Health recommends that you continue to be vaccinated. However, if you currently have Covid-19 or are isolated from recent Covid illness, you will not be allowed to get vaccinated until your infection has cleared up.

What if I am allergic to other vaccines?

In most cases, you will not be eligible for current Covid-19 vaccines. The health department recommends that you contact your health care provider for more information.

Will I be billed?

No – the vaccine is free.

Does it hurt?

Medical workers who were among the first to receive the vaccines told VTDigger it felt like an annual flu shot. One called it “painless”.

Patients are usually asked to sit for 15 to 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine to make sure there are no adverse reactions.

The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever and nausea. These side effects should go away in a few days, according to the Department of Health. If not, contact your doctor.

For more information read the Complete vaccine faq from the Vermont Department of Health.

Sign up for our guide to the global coronavirus outbreak and its impact on Vermont, with the latest developments delivered to your inbox.