February 20, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccine Update
The following is an update provided by Dr. Jeanita Richardson. For the full update please download it below:
“As understanding of the importance of vaccinations increases, access to them is severely limited. For communities of color, time is of the essence because we are most likely to have bad experiences with COVID-19. As a reminder, your decision whether or not to get the shot is personal. It is a scary time. Given our history, being suspicious of the vaccine is a rational response. However, getting COVID-19 is also dangerous. Below is the most recent information about vaccines in the Charlottesville region. This week, Virginia launched a website for vaccine registration. In addition, there are local organizations that are also providing opportunities to be vaccinated. Please reach out to the Westhaven Clinic and other community voices to keep track of opportunities to register for and receive the vaccine. The Blue Ridge Health District phone number [(804) 972-6261] will not provide much information and currently is not set up for you to register for the vaccine over the phone.
People who qualifying to receive the vaccine right now in our district are stages 1a and some of 1b. They are defined As of today (2/20/21) in our Health District they are defined as follows;
1a: Healthcare personnel, residents of long-term care facilities
1b: Frontline essential workers (Police, Fire, Hazmat, Corrections and Homeless shelter workers), persons living in homeless shelters and migrant labor camps, individuals caring for elders, individuals providing childcare/PreK-12 Teachers/Staff, Mail Carriers, and persons over 65.
J.W. Richardson (2021). References: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/191/2021/01/Phase-1b-In-Depth.pdf
COVID-19 RESOURCES: On January 24, 2021 our Executive Director hosted a conversation with doctors around the Charlottesville area. If you have questions about COVID-19 make sure to tune in.
