Vermont Nurse Connection - February 2021

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Page 12 • Vermont Nurse Connection February, March, April 2021 Legislature Opening 2021 and Recent Press Conference Concerns January 6th, the Legislature officially opened for the 2021 season. The Senate Session opening was led by Lt. Governor Zuckerman. The roll call was completed and then John H. Bloomer Jr. of Wallingford was elected and sworn in as Secretary of the Senate. Senator Rebeccca Balint was nominated and approved for Senate President pro tempore and sworn in. After thanking Lt. Gov. Zuckerman, Senator Balint addressed the senate, reminding them of why they were called to public service, noting all came from different walks of life. She encouraged a new sense of possible, working together, while being entrusted constituent stories and carrying those narratives with them. She shared how the entire country is weary of the pandemic, but the virus doesn’t care, and quoted her hero former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm : “We must reject not only the stereotypes that others think of us, but the stereotypes that we hold of ourselves.” She encouraged senators to be “possibilists” whose power comes from the people, listening deeply, and reacting with courage and a moral compass. Senator Jane Kitchel nominated Senator Dick Mazza for committee on committees (3rd member) which was confirmed. Senate resolutions related to rules guiding the Senate and organization for the Senate and joint rules for 2021 were approved, including approval of remote attendance, rules during an emergency for Sen. President pro tempore Balint, and rules related to protections for senators from COVID-19 (which end after the emergency). The Governor was informed the Senate was organized. The Joint Assembly sent a message to the Governor and electronically approved to meet. Some of those sworn in included: Sen. White, Sen. Cummings, Sen. McCormack, Sen. Sears, Sen. Sirotkin, Sen. Pollina, Sen. Westman, Sen. Hooker, and Sen. Lyons as seen below. Lt. Governor Zuckerman shared that he was incredibly honored to have served and how he appreciates the integrity and democracy, reverence for norms and values held at core for what we do. He is sad to be going but knows values will be held dear and are an example to the rest of the country. Sen. President Ashe expressed honor and appreciation, remembrance of mentorship, and gratitude for what was taught, as well as for service. The Senate then adjourned until Jan 7. In the House, the Speaker opened Friday's Floor session with the listing of the names of House members who have passed and the terms they served. Representative Bernard Juskiewicz of Cambridge and Representative Steve Beyor of Highgate Springs, both having served from 2013-2018 were two of the eight recognized with a moment of silence. Three bills were introduced to join the fifty introduced by number only yesterday and referred to the appropriate committee. Here is the link for pre-introduction of bills https:// legislature.vermont.gov/bill/released/2022 Here is the link for bills introduced and assigned to committee: https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/ introduced/2022 In the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs, testimony was taken from several witnesses on an update to Homelessness in Vermont with a statement that 'housing is health care.' Being homeless or housing insecure is a health risk in the best of times but in a pandemic it can be deadly. Many Vermont agencies worked together on behalf of tenants and landlords to keep Vermonters in secure housing. More work is needed to end homelessness, but progress is being made. That same day, Secretary of the Agency of Human Services Mike Smith led the COVID-19 press talk along with Health Commissioner Mark Levine, and Public Safety Commissioner Schirling as well as Secretary of Education French, sharing how older people are a priority for vaccination as those older than 65 are at much higher risk of death. While Vermont is 2nd in the nation in vaccinations, there have been 156 deaths and two days with new cases in the low 200 range, and a rate of 2.9%. At that time (Jan.8), 29 were hospitalized with eight in the ICU. There have been increasing cases but not markedly attributable to the impact of the holidays. Addison County’s higher rate was due to church services held. Ski resorts had led to nine cases, and small gatherings six cases, but it was too early to tell about the effect of New Year’s Eve. Your next opportunity is at the Vermont Veterans’ Home! We invite you to become part of our health-care team where we focus on resident-centered care fulfilling America’s promise to care for our country’s Veterans, their Spouses, and Gold Star Parents. Together we strive to create an environment that provides our residents with the dignity and respect that they so rightfully deserve. Nursing Employment Opportunities Licensed Nursing Assistant – Job Posting ID #170 Licensed Practical Nurse – Job Posting ID #1964 Registered Nurse I – Job Posting ID #172 Registered Nurse II – Job Posting ID #176 For more information, contact Patricia.Crossman@vermont.gov or peruse the following websites: Vermont Veterans’ Home website: https://vvh.vermont.gov/ State of Vermont careers website: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/careers The State of Vermont offers an excellent total compensation package. To apply, you must use the online job application at https://careers.vermont.gov. For questions related to your application, please contact the Department of Human Resources Recruitment Services at (800) 640-1657 (voice) or (800) 253-0191 (TTY/Relay Service. The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
February, March, April 2021 Vermont Nurse Connection • Page 13 The expectation was that it will get worse, for we are not immune to havoc from the rest of the country. The new COVID strain has already been seen in more than five states, including some next door (such as NY), but not in Vermont yet. This should make us double our efforts to wear masks, avoid travel and maintain social distancing of six feet. The new virus strain will not necessarily make us sicker, and early results say the vaccine should work. There may be a higher load of virus in secretions that makes it more contagious, and a mutation on the virus spike. There are no new guidelines, recommendations are that we should just redouble efforts to follow current guidelines as we may encounter more people at risk and be more able to pick up the virus. Over 21,000 individuals have now been vaccinated. There were only 21 cases of anaphylaxis after two million vaccinations occurred, and reactions occured within 15 minutes. They are still learning how soon immunity develops after the vaccine. The question was raised regarding whether or not having students back in classrooms by April (as per Gov Scott) was realistic. Dr. Levine responded that he believes those in the school environment are taking this seriously. He noted there are still isolated cases, and they have done well for the first half of the school year; however, we must keep tracking data, and get the vaccine out quickly to priority populations. Sec. French shared it was done well and policy will be crafted based on conditions. We may be more comprehensive than many states. Students have been impacted. It is expected to return to normal by fall, but there is risk in waiting that long. He is optimistic, but policy will be predicated by analysis of conditions. Another question mentioned the lack of teachers all being vaccinated. Planning has been started, but is dependent on case, so we can allocate resources appropriately. To get the vaccine out, the state will be using personnel that are trained; hospitals, primary care physicians, national guard and more will play a part. People will not have to drive more than 15 minutes and it will be publicized with a registration system. Depending upon the brand of vaccine used, current vaccines can only be given to those age 16 or older, or age 18 or older, so vaccines are not an option for the majority of younger students. Another question was asked about President-elect Biden providing additional vaccine doses: can we handle the increased amount of doses? Dr. Levine responded, “I don’t know the details, but do know there will be more doses available.” He discussed the idea of not holding a dose for the 2nd dose needed: “I like the idea, but want to know there will be a 2nd dose available, rather than the England approach of just one dose and don’t know when the 2nd will come. We want to accelerate dosing but allow that 2nd dose to occur. The next question asked was concerning the busload of protesters from Washington DC; no one was wearing a mask, are they in quarantine? Dr. Levine remarked about the video gone viral, with no masks and high risk. He shared that communication went out to all on the bus recommending isolation and quarantine, and how he feels strongly about the quarantine issue. However, we don’t have regulatory power to enforce a quarantine but have been strong about education information and recommendation for getting a test. Commissioner Schirling also responded to the bus company question, noting they did follow current transportation guidance that allows buses to go out of state and how the bus company graciously relayed the announcement about the need for quarantine after returning. Secretary Smith responded to a corrections question that there were just a few staff found COVID positive, but no inmates. Staff or inmates 75 or over will be vaccinated soon. In phase 2, there will be 50 thousand vaccinated in VT and analysis will show when to move to the next band. We are not getting to zero before starting the next phase group. Sec.Smith shared that at the end of January, we will be starting phase 2. Dr. Levine discussed normal: Normal means not wearing masks. It means hugging, gathering with others, and not having to distance. Summer is not apt to be normal, but may allow for a lessening of restrictions. We have a ways to go. Normalcy may be achieved as soon as late summer or fall with vaccination, but there is no real date for that. The Vaccination Experience continued from page 1 questionnaire, and are given informative papers, you will be sent to a vaccinator who will review your questionnaire with you, and locate you in the computer so they can administer the vaccine. Walk ins are not allowed. Getting the vaccine is quick, and many told me they did not even feel when I did it. After the shot you must go to the back and wait a minimum of 15 minutes before you can leave to ensure you have no reaction. During your wait, a person will schedule your second vaccine. Heather Simkins during a morning briefing to some vaccinators I have been very impressed with the positive professional attitude of the Department of Health and how they have coordinated with volunteers such as myself, a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer (nurse for 30 years), EMS personnel and others to create a coordinated team. People remark upon leaving at how they had almost no wait time, the process was efficient, and how nice people were. I felt welcomed and felt that Heather vetted all volunteers and their proficiency well. Destiny reviewed the team at the end of the day for feedback on any suggested improvements. I appreciate that we live in a state where we can all pull together to keep each other safe, and am proud of the excellent job I see our state doing. In Vermont 189 have died. Get vaccinated to be sure that you are not responsible for the next death. Before you get your vaccine, you can create an account by going to https://vermont.force.com/events/s/ selfregistration to you time the day you are eligible to register. People can choose a nearby vaccination site when making their appointment. Go to https://www. healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/getting-covid-19- vaccine or http://healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine https:// vermont.force.com/events/s/selfregistration or you can call 855-722-7878 to make an appointment. You will not be scheduled until your age group is eligible, but you can create your account, and can help bring those who are eligible to receive their vaccine. In addition, Walgreens has now joined Kinney Drugs as a participating pharmacy and is administering vaccine in 20 locations. To make an appointment at Kinney Drugs https://kinneydrugs.com/pharmacy/covid-19/vaccinationscheduling/vt/ Walgreens, visit https://www.walgreens.com/ schedulevaccine
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Vermont Nurse Connection - February 2021

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