(ABC22/FOX44) - The standing order authorizes pharmacies and care providers throughout Vermont to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to people ages five and up, based on the recommendations of several national health agencies.

The state's Department of Health says access to the vaccine is especially important for certain groups. Specifically, those older than 65, or younger than 65 and living with a pre-existing condition; as well as children 6 to 24 months old, and pregnant Vermonters.

"People have been hearing what the FDA has done with the COVID-19 vaccines, and there's been a lot of concern. we want anybody who wants to be able to get the vaccine to be able to get it in Vermont," says the Interim Commissioner of the DOH, Julie Arel.

Arel adds that the virus is harder to track now, sinc

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