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We’ve been very clear about why we’re using a vaccine by age strategy. Because the science and data tell us the older you are, the more likely you are to die if you get sick. 1/
I’ve heard concerns from some who wonder, why can’t we vaccinate younger people first? Can’t those who are older just stay home? I understand everyone wants to get back to normal, but we feel strongly that our goal should be reducing hospitalizations and deaths. 2/
First, the preservation of life must be our top priority. That’s why we’ve taken the measures we have over the past 10 months. 3/
Vaccinating those most at risk now, will not only save lives and prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed, but this will allow us to open up our economy quicker too. If we protect those who are most at risk, we could end the state of emergency faster. 4/
Now don’t get me wrong, masks and distancing will still be with us for a while, but with a strategy focused on limiting hospitalization, and death, we can both open up more AND keep people safe. 5/
Every dose diverted from the most vulnerable, would only prolong our return to more normal times. Second, I want Vermonters to think about what it’s been like since March for our parents, grandparents and elderly friends and how much they’ve sacrificed. 6/
Like 83-year-old Nancy Stevens who shared her story with @vtdigger this week. Nancy was able to get her first dose on Wednesday; the day our clinics opened to those 75 and older. 7/
According to @vtdigger, Nancy lives in East Hardwick and has been staying in her home for the past 11 months. She’s followed the guidance, skipped Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, and hasn’t even met her great-grandchild who was born this past year. 8/
When she got her vaccine yesterday she told @vtdigger:
“It’s been tough…. I miss my family. I used to go places… and do things with my family and friends almost every day. I’d like very much to be able to be free again."
I hear similar stories all the time.
9/
“It’s been tough…. I miss my family. I used to go places… and do things with my family and friends almost every day. I’d like very much to be able to be free again."
I hear similar stories all the time.
9/
In fact, I haven’t been able to see my own mom in over a year, and by the way, she’s been trying to sign up to get her vaccine in Florida for a month and just texted me this morning with the good news: she has an appointment next Tuesday. 10/
Those who are older and more vulnerable have always been there for us, now it’s our turn to be there for them. 11/11
