Nearly 200K Sign Up for Coronavirus Vaccinations In New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH — Since Friday, nearly 200,000 Granite Staters have signed up to get a coronavirus vaccination as part of the state's Phase 1B process, according to officials.

More than 60 percent of residents, who have scheduled an appointment, have a set date and location to receive their first shot. On average, New Hampshire is receiving about 17,000 doses per week. Officials hope, if production and shipments increase, they will be able to move up vaccine slots.

"The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the largest logistical undertakings our state has ever faced," Gov. Chris Sununu said. "Our teams are working around the clock and our systems have worked as designed and ahead of schedule. New Hampshire is ready to administer the vaccinations as fast as the federal government supplies it."

Perry Plummer, who is handling the logistics for the vaccine implementation, said all eligible recipients in the Phase 1B plan are guaranteed an appointment time.

"While appointments are currently being made into March and April, we urge folks to take the earliest appointment slot available and to remain patient," he said.

To register for vaccines, visit the state website here. After that, people will receive an email within five days to schedule an appointment.

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Out-Of-Staters Won't Be Able To Access Vaccines

In an about-face after an outcry from political circles in the state, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has updated and clarified the state's frequently asked questions vaccine website informing non-residents they will not be able to access a vaccine in New Hampshire.

The change was made after a report by New Hampshire Public Radio noted the state's website allowed anyone who owned land in the state, including second homeowners or out-of-state landlords who might reside elsewhere, to provide proof of ownership so they could get vaccinated in New Hampshire.

Democrats pounced on the report calling it "yet another example of corruption" in Sununu's administration — along with offering criticism for ski industry employees getting shots before teachers.

"Sununu is giving the life-saving COVID vaccine to the ultra-wealthy, out of staters who own property near his ski resort, while our teachers, grocery store workers, and many residents in long-term care facilities are waiting on the COVID vaccine," Ray Buckley, the chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, said. "There needs to be a serious look into how Sununu and his family are benefiting from this disastrous COVID policy."

The State Joint Information Center released the clarification Monday changing the site.

Anyone receiving a vaccine in New Hampshire will need to have a valid, unexpired New Hampshire driver's license or non-driver ID card, a payroll check, payroll document, or employment contract showing individual's legal New Hampshire address dated within the last 60 days, or a government-issued payment (i.e. Social Security), showing individual's legal New Hampshire address, dated within the last 60 days.

The vaccine identification requirement is now stricter than the requirement to vote in New Hampshire.

3 More Deaths; 434 New Infections

Officials announced three more deaths and 434 new positive test results, according to the state.

The three new fatalities related to COVID-19 deaths were two men from Hillsborough County and a man from Merrimack County. Two of the deaths were connected to long-term care settings, two were 80 years of age or older, and one was between 40 and 49. Only nine deaths in New Hampshire are in the 40 to 49 age bracket.

The state said 990 people have died related to COVID-19 in New Hampshire.

Another 434 people tested positive for coronavirus via 307 polymerase chain reaction tests and 127 antigen tests. The PCR positivity rate for the day was 4.7 percent and the seven-day rate positivity rate was 6.1 percent. Seventy-two of the new infections were from specimens collected on Saturday while 362 were from tests taken on Sunday.

One hundred of the new infections live in Hillsborough County outside of Nashua, 90 reside in Rockingham County, 45 live in Merrimack County, and 36 live in Nashua.

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Stop The Spread Of COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.

Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:

• Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.
• When you can't practice 6 feet of social distancing, wear a face covering.
• Anyone who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 needs to not go out to public places.
• If you are 60 years or older or have chronic and underlying health conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
• Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Employers should work from home as much as possible.
• There is increasing evidence that the virus can survive for hours or possibly days on surfaces. People should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts and grocery basket handles, etc.

Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places.
• Wear a face covering.
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Schools, Employers, Employees and Businesses (Can your employer force you to get the vaccine? It depends). COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Healthcare Providers and Public Health Partners

• Guidance to schools can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.
• To access the state's COVID-19 data dashboard, click on this link here.
• To access the state's COVID-19 Interactive Map Dashboard, click on this link here.

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