The CDC said providers shouldn’t miss an opportunity to vaccinate someone even if that means opening a vial containing many doses. States have begun changing their approach in response.
The large vaccine site is powered by more than 300 volunteers.
“It’s magic happening,” said Dr. Jeff Feit of Valley Health. “It’s the community, taking care of itself. It’s the most incredible thing I’ve been a part of in a long time.”
Janet Flaherty’s husband is a surgical oncologist at Valley Health. She’s been helping with registration.
“I feel like it’s our duty, and it’s an honor to be able to give back to the community, I think,” she said.
Malik Henry, who works in Shenandoah University’s admissions office, said he was drawn to volunteer by a love of his community.
Valley Health, which operates hospitals and clinics in the area, has longstanding partnerships with both the Lord Fairfax Health District and Shenandoah University, which allowed them to hit the ground running in setting up the mass vaccination site.
“We said, ‘You know, gee, we could use a big venue.’ And SU said, ‘We’ve got our gym. You can use our gym.’ Valley Health said, ‘Great, we got the people,’ and I said, ‘Great, I’ll find the vaccines,’” said Dr. Colin Greene of the Lord Fairfax Health District.
Tracy Fitzsimmons, Shenandoah University’s president, believes that the fact they’re in a semi-rural community actually gives them an advantage.
Valley Health System workers prepared Friday for the areaâs first batches of a COVID-19 vaccine they expect to arrive next week pending the drugâs approval.
Valley Healthâs Vice President for Population Health Dr. Jeff Feit spoke by phone Friday about how the regionâs hospital network plans to administer the vaccine once in hand.
âEver since March, weâve been in the thick of things when it comes to coronavirus and we have this incredible team that is doing remarkable work to be prepared and be proactive and take care of the community,â Feit said. âOver the last four weeks, weâve seen a real surge in the number of cases and our team is just doubling down on their work to ensure the safety of the community.