Around New England

Vermont Letting Non-Whites 16 and Up Get Vaccine, But Not Whites

April 2, 2021

If you’re 50 years old or older in Vermont and you’re white, you are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine.

If you’re not white, however, the standards are different. This week, the state made it so that non-white residents of the state who are 16 years old or older can get the vaccine — giving them an advantage in the vaccination process.

“If you or anyone in your household identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC), including anyone with Abenaki or other First Nations heritage, all household members who are 16 years or older can sign up to get a vaccine!” the state’s Republican governor, Phil Scott, tweeted.

 

 

The tweet is dated Thursday, April 1, which is April Fools Day. But there’s no hint of a hoax. The Vermont Department of Health has similar information on its web site:

 

For everyone else, the standard is 50 years and older:

 


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