BRHD prepping to vaccinate children when possible
BRHD preps for children to be vaccinated By Elizabeth Holmes | May 5, 2021 at 4:25 PM EDT - Updated May 7 at 9:09 AM
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - President Joe Biden is indicating the government is ready to immediately begin vaccinating 12 to 15 year old children if and when the Food and Drug Administration gives the green light.
The White House COVID-19 Response Team says if the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 is approved for children, it can move quickly. The Blue Ridge Health District said itâs ready to respond, as well.
âIt allows schools to operate, and really all of us to operate in a different way,â BRHD Incident Commander Ryan McKay said. âWe have to rely less on mitigation strategies, some will still have to be in place, but it allows us to ease some of the restrictions. It reduces risk to others, so getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible is really important.â
BRHD moving into Phase 2 vaccination rollout April 12 (FILE) (Source: WVIR) By Rachel Hirschheimer | April 6, 2021 at 3:10 PM EDT - Updated April 6 at 3:10 PM
ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - If youâre pre-registered through the Virginia Department of Health and youâre in Phase 2 in the Blue Ridge Health District, you will be able to get your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as early as Monday, April 12.
âPhase 2 is anyone who is 16 or older. So right now the youngest individuals who can get a Pfizer vaccine is 16, and for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson is 18,â BRHD Incident Commander Ryan McKay said.
So far, everyone who is in Phase 1a, 1b, and 1c in the BRHD should be able to schedule an appointment for a shot if youâre pre-registered.
BRHD expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to folks in Phase 1c
BRHD expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to folks in Phase 1c By Rachel Hirschheimer | April 1, 2021 at 4:22 PM EDT - Updated April 1 at 7:30 PM
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Those who qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine under Phase 1c in the Blue Ridge Health District can sign up and expect to get an appointment, but it may not be right away.
“We are opening up to Phase 1c. We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to schedule appointments, and so the VAMs system has many appointments available over the next two months. There are plenty of appointments that we want people to get in there and schedule,” BRHD Spokesperson Kathryn Goodman said.
BRHD opening new COVID-19 vaccination site in Albemarle Co.
BRHD opening new COVID-19 vaccination site in Albemarle Co. By Rachel Hirschheimer | March 17, 2021 at 4:26 PM EDT - Updated March 17 at 6:01 PM
ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) - The Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) will soon be vaccinating folks in Phase 1a and 1b inside the former J.C. Penney in Fashion Square Mall.
“We’ve recognized the need to expand and grow as we anticipate a larger allocation of vaccine in the coming weeks and months,” BRHD COVID-19 Incident Commander Ryan McKay said.
The current vaccination clinic located in the parking lot of the former Kmart in Albemarle County is set to close Friday, March 19.
Blue Ridge Health District brings forward important vaccination updates
Blue Ridge Health District brings forward important vaccination updates By Riley Wyant | February 16, 2021 at 6:43 PM EST - Updated February 17 at 10:45 AM
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - The Blue Ridge Health District is clearing up some crucial vaccine confusion tonight. With a new vaccine registration system in place and winter weather on the way, BRHD officials want to get updated information out about the vaccination process.
BRHD Officials say limited supply continues to be an overwhelming issue.
“As Governor Northam has reported, it will be March or April before we see significant increases in vaccine to meet the demand. So we are currently receiving 2,850 doses per week,” BRHD Incident Commander Ryan McKay said. “So we are working with a very small number to try to distribute and dispense to a large population across our health district.”