Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Boosters Update
Late on Thursday, October 21, the CDC director endorsed ACIP's recommendations to expand booster vaccine recommendations for all three available vaccines in the U.S.

For individuals who received a Pfizeror Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

For those who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. 

Read more about the CDC's guidance for boosters here.

How to get a Booster Vaccine:
iIn BRHD, boosters are available at our local health departments, our JCrew vaccination site, the Seminole Square Community Vaccination Center (CVC) next to Marshalls, and Mobi on the Mall (Mondays, 12:00- 3:00pm). 

Those wanting a Moderna or J&J booster dose is encouraged to visit the Seminole Square Community Vaccination Center (CVC) located at 393 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, Next to Marshalls. The CVC is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcome and appointments are available on the BRHD website (use zip code 22901 for the CVC).

For more information and updated Fact Sheets: 
Live Town Hall: Vaccines for 5-11 Year Olds
Vaccines for 5-11 year olds are just around the corner. As the CDC finalizes its guidance and VDH and BRHD prepare to begin vaccinating, we know there are many questions regarding the roll out and vaccine supply for our children. To address these questions and provide more insight on our plans to begin vaccinating 5-11 year olds, BRHD will host a live virtual town hall on Wednesday, October 7th at 7:00 PM. Tune into the Town Hall via the links below, where BRHD staff will provide updates, followed by the opportunity for viewers to ask their own questions live. 

Register to attend the town hall live on Zoom here.
 
The town hall will also be streamed live on the following places: 
Survey for Interest in 5-11 Vaccines
BRHD anticipates that we will receive a limited amount of Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year olds in early November, following CDC approval for Emergency Use Authorization. In order to determine how to best serve families’ and their 5-11 year olds, we’re asking all caretakers to complete this vaccination-interest survey by Thursday, November 4. We want to know where and when you would most likely take your 5-11 year old to receive a vaccine. The survey is completely anonymous and used for planning purposes. Thank you for helping us help our District’s children get vaccinated against COVID!
Tips and Tricks for Safer Tricks and Treats
With Halloween being just around the corner, the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) has some suggestions on how to make it a little less scary. COVID is still in our community so if you plan to be out and about for trick-or-treating or other festivities, here are some tips to stay safe and healthy:

  • Get vaccinated – Currently, anyone 12 years and older is eligible for a free COVID vaccine at this time. Anyone who is eligible and not yet vaccinated can schedule an appointment online!
  • Wear a mask – Get creative with your costume and incorporate a surgical or cloth facemask into the outfit! These will be more effective than most costume masks.
  • Stay outside and 6 feet apart – Outside spaces with plenty of airflow are safer than indoors, so try to avoid being inside, especially with others. Be sure to maintain a safe distance from others, especially on walkways and on crowded porches.
  • Bring hand sanitizer - Small bottles of hand sanitizer provide an extra layer of safety between and during any activities that involve touching things. They also make great treats!
  • Stay home if you feel unwell – If you are not feeling well or have been exposed to COVID, it is safer to stay home.
  • 
Stay up-to-date on local transmission levels – Be sure to know the transmission rates of your area by reviewing the CDC transmission map and BRHD COVID data.

Those who choose to pass out treats may also consider utilizing individual baggies of candy rather than big communal bowls or leaving the treats out instead of handing them out individually. This helps reduce close or prolonged physical contact.

For help getting tested or vaccinated, or with any questions for safety in the community, please call the BRHD COVID Resource Hotline at 434-972-6261 (M-F 8am-4:30pm) or email us at BRhealthdistrict@gmail.com
Meet the BRHD Team
Each week, we introduce you to one of our Health District Heroes so you can get to know the people working to keep you safe and healthy every day. This week, meet Karen Parks, BRHD RN Vaccinator.
 
How long have you been at BRHD?
Since April 2021 as a contract RN vaccinator, but volunteered in February and March on the COVID Hotline.
 
What is your job?
As an RN Vaccinator, I move throughout the District providing COVID vaccines at our clinic and pop up sites. I also help with the cold chain (storage and safety measures of the vaccines) mixing (preparing the doses to be given) and COVID testing.

Who are you outside of BRHD?
Prior to working with the BRHD, I was retired from UVA after 38 years of oncology clinical research nursing/coordination. I strive to eat locally and live mindfully and simply. I enjoy gardening and growing my own food, preparing healthy meals, hiking, kayaking, biking, reading good books, and spending time with friends and family. In fact, the picture you see here is me with my life long big friend Jean - we have been friends for over 60 years!
FREE COVID Testing in BRHD
BRHD continues to host COVID PCR testing in each locality one day every week from 5:00-7:00pm. Appointments are not required, but may be made by calling the BRHD COVID Resource Hotline (434-972-6261) or self-registering on the BRHD website.

Testing Schedule:
  • Mondays- Greene County Health Department
  • Tuesdays- Louisa County Health Department
  • Wednesdays- Fluvanna County Health Department
  • Thursdays- Nelson County Health Department
  • Fridays- former J.C. Penney parking lot at Fashion Square Mall in Charlottesville/Albemarle

As announced this week, link to test results will be sent via text message to those tested at BRHD sites. This link will direct to a secure Virginia Department of Health website where results will be available for viewing and printing. While this remains the best way to get results, for those who do not have or choose not to provide text-enabled cell phone numbers or email addresses, BRHD staff will call individuals with their test results.

In addition to the above testing options, UVA Health offers free COVID-19 PCR tests in the greater Charlottesville/Albemarle area:
  • Mondays: The Church of the Incarnation, 6:00-7:30pm
  • Tuesdays: Mt. Zion African Baptist Church, 5:30-7:00pm.

PCR testing in partnership with Next Molecular is also available at the former J.C. Penney parking lot in Charlottesville on Wednesday and Thursdays from 2:00-6:00pm.

All tests are FREE and weather dependent. Please visit our website for the latest testing schedule as hours may be adjusted for daylight.

Visit our testing webpage for updated information and testing schedules.
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.