COVID-19
As the first BIPOC-community organization dedicated to health equity in Chittenden County, the Vermont Health Equity Initiative was created with an initial focus to organize and promote BIPOC COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics with backing from the Vermont Department of Health and City of Burlington. With COVID-19 case rates steadily decreasing, we will be highlighting clinics who share VHEI's mission to give BIPOC households a culturally-affirming place to receive their shots.
Have Questions about COVID-19?
We connected with Dr. Tony Williams, Family Pediatrician from UVM Medical Center, about the top-asked questions on COVID-19. Click the Videos below to learn more.
Where Can Children Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Will children experience symptoms after the vaccine?
Which version of the COVID-19 Vaccine are children approved for?
Current Status of the Pandemic
What treatments are available if you tested positive for COVID-19?
Will Transmission Rates Go Down?
Safety of the Vaccine for Kids Under 5
CDC Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccine for 5 and Under
How do you stay up to date with Vaccinations?
Can you get COVID-19 more than once?
Will Schools Require Vaccines?
What is V-SAT?
FDA Approval of COVID-19 Vaccine for children 5 and under
The importance of COVID-19 Testing
What to do if you don’t have a Primary Care Physician
The COVID-19 Vaccine is safe and effective.
Vaccine Rights
It is illegal to be turned away for a COVID-19 Vaccine. Mike Fisher, the Chief Health Care Advocate with the Office of the Health Care Advocate explains your rights.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in the United States. When you go to get your vaccine the person is required to give you a COVID-19 vaccine for free, even if you do not have health insurance. You should NEVER be asked to pay for a covid vaccine or booster.
You may be asked to give your social security number or show a driver's license. However this information is NOT required to get vaccinated.
You can receive COVID-19 services, even if you are not a US citizen or you do not have identification. You should never be turned away if you choose not to say if you are a US citizen or not.
It is illegal for you to be turned away. If you have been turned away for a vaccine, please show the person who turned you away this message Covid testing, treatment or vaccines will not affect your ability to apply for US citizenship.
If you have been refused a Covid vaccine please contact one of the following organizations:
Vermont Legal Aid 1-800-917-7787
Association of Africans 892 985 3106
Vermont Refugee Program 802 655 1963
Vermont Health Equity Initiative 802-383-8836
TESTING
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Every household in the U.S can now order 4 free at-home rapid antigen tests.
Getting Tested in Vermont
Testing is an important tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Anyone can get tested for COVID-19, including visitors to Vermont. People with or without symptoms can be tested at most testing locations. Testing is free to all. For most tests you'll insert a swab just inside your nose. Make an appointment to reserve your spot.
How to use PCR and Self Tests:
Videos in Multiple Languages
Community Conversations about COVID-19 Vaccine
Learn more information about the COVID-19 vaccine to make informed choices for you and your family. Watch recordings of live Zoom video conferences with UVM Medical Professionals.
Multilingual Resources
Media Toolkit
Use these resources on social media channels to share the ongoing efforts of the Vermont Health Equity Initiative and encourage others to get vaccinated.
VHEI Jams
Designed for our BIPOC COVID-19 vaccination clinics to celebrate and elevate BIPOC lives, have a listen to the soundtrack from a medical experience unlike any other.
