NBC5 reported on comments by infectious disease physician Lindsay Smith, M.D., M.A., Larner assistant professor of medicine, regarding the Vermont Department of Health’s stance on access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite recently announced federal policy changes, the Vermont Department of Health has issued a standing order to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine. This allows pharmacies to administer the shot without a prescription for the 2025–26 season. Insurance providers in the state will continue covering the costs of the vaccine, and other insurers, like BlueCross BlueShield and Green Mountain Care, said they will also cover associated costs.
Dr. Smith encourages people to take advantage of the state’s order. She emphasized that getting the COVID vaccine lessens the chances of catching the virus.
“We need each vaccine to recognize new [virus] changes and to give us protection by either minimizing the severity of illness and preventing hospitalization, or making the symptoms from the infection less,” she said.