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BURLINGTON, Vermont (WCAX) – Out-of-state students who do not qualify as residents of Vermont will be eligible to register for a COVID vaccination by April 30, according to state officials. The governor’s office made the announcement on Wednesday evening, saying that based on the current dose allocation, the state expects to expand vaccinations to students as well as second home owners by the end of the year. next month. The news comes as infections escalate in Vermont for people under the age of 30.
The spread of cases among young people occurs in high schools, college campuses and in the community. “People are going to party no matter what, so we’re at a higher risk,” said Anna Gardner, a student at the University of Vermont in New York.
Health officials say the increase in cases is due to variants, social behavior, community spread, including on college campuses. But as Vermonters under 30 prepare to register for their photo in three weeks, Gov. Phil Scott said Tuesday there were no immediate plans for college students out of the State. “At this point, we want to make sure that we deal with Vermonters first, as other states have done as well,” he said. In an effort to clarify their position on Wednesday, the governor’s office said in a statement that Scott “has repeatedly stated that he hopes and plans to make vaccines available to everyone in Vermont, including all students.”
Data shows that in 2019, more than 38,000 students were attending 19 colleges across Vermont and about 60% of them were from out of state. These students are allowed to vote in Vermont elections and they are counted in the state census. The state, for vaccination purposes, defines residency as anyone who has moved to Vermont within the past six months, with the intention of becoming a resident. The Scott administration says that includes students who plan to stay in Vermont this summer.
Many students we’ve spoken to say they plan to get the shot when they get home for the April vacation. But getting back to New York or Massachusetts is much easier than Montana or California. “It would be nice if we were a higher priority, but we’re not the highest priority, I understand that,” Gardner said.
Schools have been in communication with health officials to try to find a way to immunize students. There is no definitive plan yet, but a key factor, state officials say, is bringing the vaccines to campus. Regardless of residence, young people are still at least a month before getting vaccinated, and the number of cases – and the risks of potential medical complications – is increasing.
“It’s disappointing that the cases are on the rise, but I think we’ve gotten this far and continue to distance ourselves socially, to wear masks, to be aware of what we’re doing. Eventually it will work, ”said Reagan Lockhart, a UVM student in Massachusetts.
Related stories:
Health officials urge Vermont youth to mask themselves
New Hampshire debates vaccines for foreign students
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