Vaccines: Allocation & Distribution
It has been just over three months since the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) received its first COVID-19 vaccine shipment. Since then, over 89,000 people in BRHD have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. We continue to vaccinate everyone in Phase 1A and 1B and this week, began vaccinating individuals in Phase 1C (read more about this below). 

This coming week, BRHD will receive a significant increase in vaccine supply. We have expanded operating hours and added hundreds of appointments in VAMS for individuals to schedule their vaccination.

This week, BRHD is receiving the following vaccine allocations: 
  • Moderna - 4,900 first doses, 1,100 second doses
  • Pfizer - 4,680 first doses, 1,170 second doses
  • J&J - BRHD will receive a shipment of Johnson & Johnson for distribution next week.

In addition, UVA Health’s Seminole Square site will receive 4,680 Pfizer first doses and 1,170 second doses of Pfizer.
Now Vaccinating: Phase 1C
BRHD is now vaccinating individuals in Phase 1C! Phase 1C includes essential workers who play a key role in the functioning of society and/or interact regularly with the public and therefore have increased potential for exposure to COVID-19. We want everyone in 1A, 1B, and 1C to have the opportunity to schedule a vaccine appointment in VAMS before we expand to Phase 2 (which includes everyone ages 16+). 

Phase 1C includes workers from the following sectors:
  • Energy 
  • Water, Wastewater, and Waste removal (includes recycling removal) 
  • Housing and Construction 
  • Food Service (restaurant workers)
  • Transportation and Logistics 
  • Institutions of Higher Education Faculty/Staff 
  • Finance 
  • Information Technology & Communication 
  • Media 
  • Legal Services 
  • Public Safety (including engineers) 
  • Other Public Health Workers 
  • Barbers, Stylists, Hairdressers

Anyone who is eligible in Phase 1C who has not pre-registered for the vaccine should go to vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA to pre-register as soon as possible.

BRHD continues to pull pre-registration information from the state’s Vaccinate Virginia pre-registration system and will contact you through email (or phone if you don’t have email) with the next steps to schedule an appointment. 
VAMS: The Way to Schedule
BRHD is using the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) to schedule appointments for COVID-19 vaccination. Everyone in Phase 1A, 1B, and 1C who pre-registered at vaccinate.virginia.gov has been uploaded into VAMS to schedule an appointment. 

We will continue to routinely pull these lists from Virginia’s centralized pre-registration portal and upload individuals to VAMS. Once uploaded, users will receive an invitation from a “CDC.gov” email address to schedule a vaccination appointment. If you do not see this email, be sure to check your spam and promotions folder. 
 
If you have pre-registered and are in Phase 1A, 1B, or 1C but have not received an invitation, email BRHealthDistrict@gmail.com with Subject Line (depending on which phase you are in): “Phase 1A Registration” “Phase 1B Registration” or “Phase 1C Registration” and include:

  • First & last name
  • Email
  • Phone number
  • What phase you fall into

If you previously had a VAMS account (in January), try logging in again as you will not receive another email invite. If you have forgotten your password or need technical assistance, follow the prompts on the VAMS website.

Like with first doses, second doses must be scheduled through VAMS. Anyone who had a first dose at our Kmart or locality locations OR had a second dose appointment registered in PrepMod must make their appointment in VAMS. This ensures the right amount and correct brands of vaccine are available at each clinic and that your appointment card can be honored. 

As a reminder, the former Kmart site is now closed and all 2nd dose vaccinations previously scheduled for Kmart will be administered at the new JCPenney site in Charlottesville.
Easter Sunday: Observe it Safely
This weekend, many will celebrate Easter Sunday. While the meaning of the day remains unchanged, the celebrations may look a little different than in years past. The safest way to observe Easter this year is to celebrate with people you live with, virtually with others, or outside while staying 6 feet apart. 


Protect yourself and loved ones from COVID-19 by observing Easter with some adaptations:

  • Enjoy a traditional Easter meal with only those who live with you.
  • Follow holiday customs like egg hunts outside while wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart. 
  • Attend religious services virtually rather than in person.
  • Prepare and deliver a meal to a neighbor rather than gathering indoors together.

Remember that if you plan to celebrate with others, outdoors is still safer than indoors. For more tips and ideas to make this Easter safer and healthier visit https://bit.ly/3n6X3x4.
VaccineFinder.org: A Helpful Resource
Retail pharmacy locations in our area are now providing vaccination appointments to anyone eligible in Phase 1b, which includes people age 65 and older, people with high-risk medical conditions, and frontline essential workers. Individuals interested in getting vaccinated at a local pharmacy may visit VaccineFinder.org to find eligible pharmacy locations, hours, phone numbers, and scheduling links where available.
Free COVID-19 Testing in BRHD
While we work to vaccinate the District, BRHD continues to offer free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing. Each event will have the capacity to test 200 persons: 100 pre-registered clients and 100 walk-ins.

Free pediatric COVID-19 testing for children ages 6 years and up are offered as part of the Friday testing events at Buford Middle School (1000 Cherry Ave Charlottesville, 22903). Pediatric testing is available from 5:30 - 8:00pm.

For a complete list of free drive-thru COVID-19 testing events in April, visit the BRHD website.

TUESDAY, April 6, from 4:00-7:00pm
  • Emmanuel Christian Center, 111 New Life Dr, Ruckersville, VA 22968
  • Appointments can be scheduled on April 5 by calling 434-972-6261

THURSDAY, April 8, from 4:00-7:00pm
  • Louisa Presbyterian Church, 212 Church Ave, Louisa, VA 23093
  • Appointments can be scheduled on April 6 and April 7 by calling 434-972-6261
 
FRIDAY, April 9, from 4:00-8:00pm
  • Buford Middle School, 1000 Cherry Ave Charlottesville, 22903
  • Pediatric testing for those ages 6+ is available 5:30-8:00pm
  • Appointments can be scheduled on April 7 and April 8 by calling 434-972-6261
Remember, vaccination is only one tool to end the pandemic. We need to use them all in order to return to normal day-to-day activities, once 75% of the population is fully vaccinated. Continue to wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings with other households.