Vaccines: Allocations and Appointments
This week, we currently have enough vaccines to cover all appointments at our clinics, to take walk-in appointments each day, and several vaccination appointments remain available. 

Our allocation for the week of 05/03/21 is as follows:
  • Pfizer 1st Dose: 1,170
  • Pfizer 2nd Dose: 1,170
  • Moderna 1st + 2nd Dose: pulling from remaining inventory


Looking to schedule your vaccine appointment? Use our direct access link to the VAMS appointment system. You will be able to register for and schedule your own appointment at one of our upcoming BRHD appointments. 

When scheduling a Pfizer vaccine appointment for 16-17-year-olds, remember that an adult must be present to sign a vaccine consent at both the first and second dose appointments.
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: Back Online
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted their recommended pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, following the guidance of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that the vaccine should be cleared for use by all adults. Virginia is following that guidance and has instructed providers across the Commonwealth, including BRHD, to resume administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine immediately.

Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available now, in addition to Moderna and Pfizer, at BRHD clinics. Use our direct access link to schedule your vaccine appointment at an upcoming BRHD vaccine clinic!
Mobile Vaccination for Homebound Patients
Since late March we have partnered with Charlottesville Fire Department and UVA Health to provide patients COVID-19 vaccinations in their homes. We have directed our efforts at homebound patients and those who have mobility or other barriers to accessing a vaccination site. Thanks to the help of Meals on Wheels Charlottesville and Louisa, Adult Protective Services, Louisa County Department of Human Services, Virginia Department of Social Services, and other support agencies, we have been able to vaccinate 20-25 residents a week. The added bonus: Firefighter Mark L. checks, replaces, and installs smoke detectors while the nurse completes the vaccination!

If you have patients or clients who are in need of at-home vaccination please send our Mobile scheduling team an email to get them on the list.
Walk-Ins Welcome at our JCPenney location
Beginning Monday, May 3, BRHD will host Monday evening walk-in vaccine clinics at the JCPenney vaccination site from 4:30-7:30pm.

A total of 200 doses - Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer - will be available each Monday night. Spanish speakers will be on site.

While no appointment is required, community members may RSVP ahead of time through our BRHD hotline at 434-972-6261 to minimize on-site registration and check-in time. 
 
Beginning Tuesday, May 4, BRHD will offer 100 walk-in vaccines every Tuesday-Thursday and 300 walk-in vaccines every Friday at the JCPenney vaccination site. Walk-in appointments are offered from 10:00am-11:30am and 12:30pm-2:30pm, based on availability. While an appointment is not necessary, individuals can call our hotline to reserve their same-day appointment and cut down on-site registration time.
 
Anyone who is unable to receive a same-day appointment will be scheduled for a vaccine at one of our upcoming clinics. For more information or to book your appointment, call our BRHD COVID Resource Hotline: 434-972-6261.
Meet the BRHD Team
Each week, we will introduce you to one of our Health District Heroes so you can get to know the people working to keep you safe and healthy every day.
Meet Elsa Shiner, Office Services Supervisor for the Blue Ridge Health District.

How long have you worked with BRHD?
This year marks 10 years with BRHD.

What is your job?
As the Office Support Staff Supervisor Senior, I provide coverage for the OSS staff and set up clinic templates to manage clinic flow, as well as support and train the OSS Supervisors in each locality. I am also the lead trainer to help onboard new employees and maintain the skillsets of existing employees. I ensure compliance with our internal control procedure by examining records, reports, operating practices, and documentation. In addition to these roles, I am the District’s point of contact for medical records and insurances and serve as the lead HIPAA officer to ensure we are always in compliance with our patients’ health information.

Who are you outside of BRHD?
Before BRHD, I worked with the restaurant business. I love sewing and reading. I am also Hispanic (Puerto Rican) and love dancing to and singing Spanish music.
COVID Testing in May
While we work to vaccinate the District, BRHD continues to offer free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing. Each event will have the capacity to test 200 persons: 100 pre-registered clients and 100 walk-ins.
 
For a complete list of free drive-thru COVID-19 testing events in May, visit the BRHD website.

TUESDAY, May 4, from 4:30-7:00pm
  • Emmanuel Christian Center, 111 New Life Dr, Ruckersville, VA 
  • Testing is available for pediatric and adult community members at this testing site.
  • Appointments can be scheduled on April 30 and May 3 by calling 434-972-6261
 
THURSDAY, May 6, from 4:30-7:00pm
  • Louisa Presbyterian Church, 212 Church Ave, Louisa, VA
  • Testing is available for pediatric and adult community members at this testing site.
  • Appointments can be scheduled on May 4 and May 5 by calling 434-972-6261

FRIDAY, May 7, from 4:30-7:00pm
  • Buford Middle School, 1000 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 
  • Testing is available for pediatric and adult community members at this testing site.
  • Appointments can be scheduled on May 5 and May 6 by calling 434-972-6261
Remember, vaccination is only one tool to end the pandemic. We need to use them all in order to return to normal day-to-day activities, once 75% of the population is fully vaccinated. Continue to wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings with other households.