Booster Updates
On January 7, 2022, the FDA approved both Pfizer and Moderna mRNA boosters to be administered 5 months after the second dose, rather than the previous 6 month guidance. Boosters have been proven crucial in protecting yourself against COVID-19, including the most recent Omicron variant. To make your booster dose appointment, visit our website for vaccination sites, registration links, and hours of operation. If you have questions or need assistance making your appointment, call our COVID-19 Hotline at 434-972-6261, open Monday-Friday from 8 AM - 4:30 PM. Please note: our hotline is closed this Monday, January 17.
BRHD Town Hall Recap
BRHD hosted a live town hall on Monday night this week where we shared the latest COVID-19 updates. Two UVA Health doctors joined us to discuss the impact that COVID-19 has on our local hospital systems. They spoke to the strain of caring for very ill COVID patients, in addition to how such large surges of severe illness disrupt many non-COVID patients seeking much-needed treatment or surgery. BRHD also shared the latest plans and recommendations for schools to continue with 10 day isolation and quarantine guidelines. You can watch a recording of the town hall here and BRHD’s current school recommendations can be found here.
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New Community Testing Center Opens this Saturday |
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There is a new free COVID-19 testing resource in the Blue Ridge Health District! The Blue Ridge Community Testing Center (BR CTC) will open on Saturday, January 15, 2022. It is located at 588 Pantops Center, Charlottesville, VA 22911 (an indoor site near Food Lion) and will provide free PCR tests for anyone ages 3+ by appointment only. The BR CTC will be open Saturdays through Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last appointment at 5:30 PM). The CTC is closed Fridays.
To schedule an appointment for testing at the BR CTC, visit the VASE+ link here and search 22911. You will then be able to select an appointment time as they are available. Appointments will be added online two days prior to each clinic.
CTC test results will be automatically sent via text or email message to individuals being tested, based on the contact information provided in the appointment system. PCR test results are usually available within a few days, and are very effective in detecting an active COVID-19 infection, even if asymptomatic. The PCR test is also more reliable in detecting the Omicron variant than rapid antigen testing.
Important note: Given the impending weather, the CTC will be CLOSED on Sunday, January 16. A decision about any closing for Monday, January 17 will be posted on our BRHD testing website by 2pm on Sunday, Jan 17.
As a reminder, BRHD, UVA Health, and NEXT Molecular will continue to offer free drive-thru community testing on a weekly basis for everyone ages 6 months and older. Our testing website has the latest test site schedule (updated timely with any weather cancellations) and provides information on which sites are walk-in only and which require appointments.
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As we are experiencing another surge in COVID-19 cases, it’s more important than ever to continue wearing tight-fitting masks in public settings. We know that appropriate masking significantly reduces transmission of the virus, and that the type of mask you wear and how you wear it is critical in keeping yourself and others safe.
Masks should always cover the nose and mouth, while laying flat against your face. A mask should not be worn if:
- It’s wet or dirty.
- The fit is loose, or you can see gaps around the nose or mouth.
- It’s made of a material that makes breathing difficult, like vinyl.
If you’re not able to find high filtration masks (like KN95), the CDC recommends using a disposable surgical mask underneath a well-fitting thick cloth mask. Studies have shown this specific usage to provide a higher level of protection than either single mask would if worn separately. The CDC does not recommend the use of two disposable masks worn together. BRHD is working with a local donor to purchase large quantities of masks to distribute to community members. We will provide updates on this process when masks are available soon.
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Deputy Director:
BRHD is hiring a Deputy Director who will be responsible for Health Services for the district, including overseeing medical aspects of clinics, including but not limited to, immunization, family planning, STI, Newcomer Health, and LTBI. Read the full job description and apply here. Applications will be accepted through February 11, 2022.
Health Educator:
Do you have a passion for sexual health education? Have you ever wanted to provide free rapid HIV and Hepatitis C tests? Does linkage to care and Ryan White funding interest you? If you said yes, you may want to apply to become BRHD’s new Health Education Senior! To learn all the details and apply, click here. The job posting is open until January 20, 2022.
Nutritionist:
Do you enjoy helping improve the health of women, infants, and children? Is healthy nutrition something you care about? Do you want to get involved with breastfeeding education and support? BRHD is currently hiring a Nutritionist to join the WIC team. To learn all the details and apply, view the full job posting here. Applications close January 25, 2022.
Office Services Specialist:
If you would enjoy administrative tasks in a high-paced, office setting as part of the Environmental Health and Vital Records team, you might fit right in at our Fluvanna office as the newest Office Services Specialist! Read the full job description and then apply here before January 25, 2022!
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BRHD Offices Closed Monday |
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In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our offices, including our COVID-19 hotline, will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2022. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, January 18 at 8:00 AM.
Our “Mobi on the Mall” vaccination clinic is rescheduled to Tuesday, January 18 from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. Visit us at our new location on the Downtown Mall (507 East Main Street) next to the post office for a free COVID-19 vaccine. We’re offering COVID vaccines for everyone ages 12+, including booster shots. Mobi on the Mall will be back to its regularly scheduled Monday timeslot starting January 24.
With the expected snow, we will update our website with any additional cancellations.
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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.
Continue to wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings.
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