More than 80% of the population of this state, the second least populated, has been vaccinated at least once against the Coronavirus.
The small US state of Vermont, bordering Canada, was already known for its maple syrup, harsh winters and Senator Bernie Sanders. The pandemic has given it new notoriety: it has the highest Covid-19 vaccination rate in the United States.
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This rural state of New England, the second least populated in the United States with 640,000 inhabitants, crossed the threshold of 80% of the eligible population in mid-June who had received at least one dose of the anti-Covid vaccine. And prances at the top of the American ranking, with now 82% of over 12s at least partially vaccinated, far ahead of the national average of 64% and nearly double that of Mississippi, dead last.
«It probably makes us the safest place in the country, maybe even in the world», Says Mark Levine, head of the health services of the State, with on his desk a figurine of Doctor Anthony Fauci, the famous medical adviser of the White House. Vermont officials and residents attribute this success to the growing number of places for vaccination, the trust in politicians and science, and strong civility.
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«Vermonters put their health first, which is a good place to startSays Mark Levine from his offices in Burlington, Vermont’s main city on the shores of Lake Champlain. They are also “cooperative and respectful of the rulesHe continues, citing a great tradition of participation in local life throughout this region of New England, which also includes the states of Maine and Massachusetts, which also have very high vaccination rates.
Vermont, whose population is 94% white and with one of the highest levels of education in the country, has recorded only about 250 deaths from Covid-19. Its governor Phil Scott, a moderate Republican, lifted all restrictions when the 80% threshold was crossed. Evan David Warner, a street musician in Burlington, believes that the character of the locals played a key role. “We Vermonters believe we are responsible for everyone’s safety. It is a moral and social code», Says this 23-year-old guitarist, between two songs.
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In this mountainous state with its scattered population – people come here to ski in winter and hike in summer – vaccination of the population presented real challenges. When the rate of injections slowed down in large centers, mobile units were deployed in remote locations, on lakesides, in nature parks and on farms, to immunize agricultural workers, often immigrants.
«Convenient»
«We realized that we had to go get them“Says Ellen Monger, nurse, while waiting for possible future vaccines at a local produce market in the town of Northfield, 70 km from Burlington.
«Sometimes that means taking country roads, or going to people who cannot leave their homes (…) I’ve been to places where I never thought I would go as a nurse.She says, amidst stands of organic tea, artisan pickles and freshly picked strawberries.
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A little further, in Websterville, soldiers of the National Guard offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to employees of the Vermont Creamery: this cheese factory has partnered with the Guard to increase the vaccination rate among its employees, which was limited to at 55%. “We’re just trying to break down all the barriersSays Kate Paine, director of marketing for the cheese factory, which also offers free tacos to newly vaccinated people.
Long working hours, long commutes and family obligations had hitherto prevented some employees from getting immunized. “It was just convenient», Says one of them, Jason Stride, to explain why he was finally vaccinated at the cheese factory. For many Vermonters, the record vaccination rate is a relief.
«It’s great to see normal, smiling faces around youSays Aida Arms, 21, an employee of a Burlington clothing store. “A high vaccination rate also stimulates the economy.Vermont has offered no dramatic incentive to convince to get the vaccine, says Mark Levine. No big lottery like there has been in some states – just, sometimes, a free ice cream cone.
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For this health official, it is not the reluctance to be vaccinated that dissuades the reluctant, but rather a certain “apathy“. Whatever, Mark Levine is determined to prick their arm, especially with the growing concern around mutations in the virus and the Delta variant. “Perseverance: Another Good New England ValueHe said.
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