Everyone age 16 and up in the Rappahannock Area Health District will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting Friday, about 10 days ahead of the national schedule for open eligibility.
âWe are excited to expand vaccination opportunities for all community members,â said Dr. Denise Bonds, acting director of the local health district that includes Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford.
MWHC President and CEO Michael McDermott about the health care system s response to COVID-19 in an Ask the Mayor segment with Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw
The RappahannockâRapidan Health District, which includes Culpeper, Fauquier and Orange counties, moved to phase 2, the general public, on Monday. The Three Rivers Health District, which includes Westmoreland County and other Northern Neck localities, plans to move to the next phase within one to two weeks, according to a Tuesday press release.
Health districts across the Fredericksburg region are ready for the news Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday: Anyone in Virginia age 16 and older who wants a COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible for it starting April 18.
Thatâs almost two weeks ahead of President Joe Bidenâs goal of having the general public eligible for shots by May 1.
âWeâre on the cusp of open eligibility. It is really just days away and thatâs a great thing for our community,â Dr. Mike McDermott, CEO of Mary Washington Hospital, said during an âAsk the Mayorâ session recorded this week with Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw. âItâs the best health decision that you can make for yourself, and so I encourage everybody to get vaccinated as quickly as possible.â