UPDATE: Covid-19 Vaccinations Available to All over 5 years old.
Hinesburg's Kinney Drugs has the booster and offers appointments or walk-ins for all people aged 5 and above. The state has issued its own guidelines to overrule federal restrictions on the vaccine.
The Record Staff
The Vermont Health Department issued a standing order on Wednesday (Sept. 17) authorizing Vermont pharmacies to administer the fall Covid-19 shots. Anyone over the age of 5 can now receive a Covid-19 vaccine from their local pharmacist without having to attest to a prior health risk and without having a physician’s prescription.
The state’s authorization deviates from federal policy from the FDA and the CDC that required people aged 12-64 to establish a prior health risk to get the vaccine. State health officials said it was basing its guidance on the recommendations of a number of medical and scientific organizations.
“The recommendations are the most important thing so that it is clear for Vermonters and for providers what the health department position is on the COVID-19 vaccine,” interim Health Commissioner Julie Arel said in an interview with VTDigger. “We think anybody who wants a vaccine should be able to get one.”
The state is urging people with prior health conditions to get the vaccines. You can read the order and list of conditions here.
In its order, the Health Department said Medicaid and Medicare will cover the cost of the shots; VTDigger reported that the state’s two private insurers — Blue Cross Blue Shield of VT and MVP — will cover the cost of the vaccines.
Kinney Drugs on Route 116 in Hinesburg said it will be offering the Covid-19 shots on a walk-in or appointment basis. Hinesburg residents can make appointments for the vaccines by going to kinneydrugs.com/pharmacy/vaccinations. The pharmacy is offering the Moderna mNEXTSPIKE (65+) and SPIKEVAX (other ages). The CDC and FDA say the vaccine is safe for those who previously had Pfizer shots.
Kinney Drugs spokesperson Judy Cowden told The Record Friday that “Kinney Drugs will be opening pediatric COVID-19 vaccine appointments for individuals ages 5 and older early next week. For children ages 5 to 11, appointments will need to be scheduled at KinneyDrugs.com at least six days in advance to allow us time to receive the appropriate pediatric vaccine. Those who wish to be notified when appointments open for pediatric COVID vaccinations can sign up here.”
Vermont state law prevents pharmacies from administering vaccines to children under five years old, so that population will have to wait until the vaccines land in their pediatricians’ offices.
“We are grateful to the state of Vermont for expanding access to COVID-19 vaccines and supporting community health.
“For individuals age 12 and older, same-day appointments are available, and walk-ins are welcome at any Kinney Drugs location in Vermont.”