Here are our latest news releases, opinion pieces and media advisories.
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Here are the most current news releases and opinion pieces from the Health Department.
COVID-19 further evolved, and public health work transitioned to become similar to other infectious diseases. Guidance was streamlined, state-run testing sites closed as at-home testing became prevalent, and more COVID-19 vaccines became available. The Health Department also responded to a new infectious disease outbreak of mpox. Our work with other state agencies to reduce lead in school drinking water was a success, and we continued supporting older Vermonters through various programs.
Vermont’s pandemic response led the news in 2021. Vaccination took headlines as availability for vaccines and then for boosters reached one group after another, with clinics offered throughout the state. The year also saw the spread of more contagious variants of the virus. Guidance for testing and for isolation and quarantine evolved throughout 2021. Unfortunately, the opioid crisis did not subside, and news of overdoses still dominated.
As the world faced the historic COVID-19 pandemic, Vermont worked to slow the spread of the virus through prevention, testing and contact tracing. Along with a commitment to data and science, Vermonters made sacrifices and found creative solutions to support one other's health and well-being.
Vermont again named the healthiest state, warnings about vaping illness, messaging of severe weather preparedness and response, and the importance of immunization and prevention of injury and disease.