(WDBJ) – Some health districts in Virginia will begin vaccinating people between the ages of 16 and 64 on March 1.
Mount Rogers Health District, Cumberland Plateau Health District and Lenowisco Health District will begin expanding the vaccine.
“Those aged 16 to 64 with underlying medical conditions were part of Phase 1b,” said Dr. Karen Shelton, director of health. “However, we have not yet had enough vaccine to open up to this population. With the increase in vaccine allocation through state allocation and partnerships with federal pharmacies, and based on the number of vaccines already given to the population aged 65 and over, we have determined that there is enough vaccine at this time to start vaccinating this population. We are excited to be able to offer vaccine to this population right now. “
Those aged 65 and over will still be prioritized for vaccines, as will eligible essential frontline workers. Health department clinics and many community partners are working off the pre-registration list to contact qualified people for consultation. To pre-register, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov/ or call 1-877-829-4682 for help with registration.
“We are also excited to announce a mass vaccination event for residents of the Mount Rogers, Cumberland Plateau and Lenowisco health district, to be held on Saturday, March 6,” said Shelton. “This event will be for people aged 16 to 64 with underlying medical conditions and will allow us to start this new phase of vaccination by attending to a large part of the people on our pre-registration waiting list. Please note that this event will be by appointment only, for those who are already on our waiting list. “
Pfizer is authorized for ages 16 and over. The Virginia Department of Health states: “It is important to note that Moderna is only allowed for people over 18, so some sites may not be able to accommodate people under 18 due to the type of vaccine available.
People with specific medical problems or problems should discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with their suppliers.
People who are isolated or quarantined because of COVID-19, or who have another illness with a fever, are not eligible for the vaccine until these conditions are resolved. Those who have had COVID-19 and received monoclonal antibodies or plasma treatment are not eligible to receive the vaccine until 90 days after treatment.
For information on the underlying medical conditions, click here. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination, click here.
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