FDA Grants Full Licensure of
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
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The following statement is from state vaccination coordinator Christy Gray, M.P.H., Director of the Division of Immunization in the Office of Epidemiology:
“The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is pleased that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) decided to grant full licensure to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for
persons ages 18 years and older and that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the approved vaccine. This action comes after rigorous review and study by scientists and other researchers at the FDA and the CDC.
More than 204 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been administered in the United States, with 3,466,960 Moderna doses administered in Virginia since the vaccination campaign began in late December 2020. The science is clear that this is a safe vaccine that is effective in preventing infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and subsequent variants and in preventing serious illness that could result in hospitalization and/or death.”
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COVIDWISE App: A Way to Stay Safe |
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The COVIDWISE app is a free state-wide tool developed to notify users of their exposure to other COVIDWISE users who have tested positive for COVID-19, all while maintaining completely secure privacy protection. The first of its kind, now 1 in 4 Virginians are using the app to keep themselves and our community safe!
How it Works:
When you have COVIDWISE downloaded on your mobile device, it automatically registers other anonymous app users in your area. When an app user tests positive and uploads their results into COVIDWISE, the results are shared with other nearby users’ phones. If any of those users were within six feet for 15 minutes or more of the positive case, their phone will show an exposure notification alert. To keep users' privacy protected, these notifications would not give any information on the positive case, only the location of exposure and for how long. Further instructions on how to keep yourself and the people around you safe will also be provided with the notifications.
By downloading Virginia’s COVIDWISE app, you’re taking the crucial steps to protect those you’ve been in close contact with and keeping yourself safe! To learn more about the app, visit the VDH COVIDWISE website.
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VDH Launches Isolation and Quarantine Calculator |
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It can be a little overwhelming to know how many days to quarantine or isolate when you have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19. Now, with the help of VDH’s new Quarantine Calculator, you can easily create a plan to isolate or quarantine! This tool is designed to help people identify a specific date to test after close contact and a specific date to end isolation after a positive test or symptoms. Take a look and set your dates by visiting the VDH Isolation and Quarantine website.
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Update from TestHere Testing Facility |
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COVID-19 testing company TestHere is now offering free testing for rapid antigen, antibody, COVID/Flu combo tests, and next day PCR tests for both insured and uninsured. The company will continue to offer same day PCR tests.
“At this time, we saw the need to offer more testing and most importantly affordable testing. With our main location in Chesterfield County, we wanted to have a footprint in the Charlottesville area as well,” said Tunstall Willis, Director of Community Relations for TestHere.com and Clinical Research partners of Richmond. “We believe people deserve access to fast and accurate results,” said Mike Damon, Managing Partner of TestHere.com Virginia. “Our testing solutions are ultra-convenient, with no long wait times. Getting tested should be quick and easy”.
For more information, to book an appointment, or to inquire about on-site testing and vaccine services, visit the TestHere website.
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We are hiring a Fiscal Tech to serve as the subject matter expert of Accounts Receivable for Blue Ridge Health District, performing the most complex technical duties. The position will train staff regarding technical and administrative program changes by disseminating policy and procedural information and providing training where needed to assure staff have a working knowledge of administrative policy and procedures. To learn more or apply, visit the full job posting, which closes on 2/24/2022.
We are also hiring a Nutritionist Associate on our WIC program, who will determine nutrition eligibility of applicants/clients within program guidelines and independently prescribes food packages. This position assesses nutritional status/eligibility for program services and sets dietary goals based on the assessments. The position also performs basic laboratory measurements including height, weight and hemoglobin. To learn more and apply, visit the full job posting, which will close on 2/24/2022.
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Free STI Screenings: Tuesday, February 15 |
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Test & Go is Tuesday, February 15 from 4:30-6:00pm at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Drive, Door 1). Here you will receive free, fast, and friendly services to test you for a full panel of sexually transmitted infections like HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis. We do not offer treatment at these clinics, but will schedule a follow-up for treatment if needed.
There is no ID or appointment necessary, but capacity is limited, so don’t wait too late to come. Have questions? Give us a call at 434-972-6269.
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Each week, we 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. This week, meet DeNika Page, Case Investigator for BRHD.
How long have you been at BRHD?
Since September of 2021
What is your job?
I work with positive cases of COVID-19 and educate individuals about the virus, give guidance on quarantine, refer to community aid that is available, and other tasks that help us better understand and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Who are you outside of BRHD?
I am a homebody and love spending time with my family, which includes my 3 year old son, my husband, and my 11 year old bonus daughter. I enjoy cooking and almost always make large Sunday dinners every week. I am also completing an MBA with a focus in operational management. One of my favorite hobbies is painting and though I love it all, I enjoy watercolors, acrylics, and fluid/paint pouring the most!
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BRHD continues to host free COVID-19 PCR testing in each locality one day every week from 4:30-6:30pm. Appointments are not required, but may be made by calling the BRHD COVID-19 Resource Hotline (434-972-6261, open M-F 8am-4:30pm) or self-registering on the BRHD website:
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Mondays: Louisa County Health Department
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Tuesdays: Greene County Health Department
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Wednesdays: Nelson County Health Department
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Thursdays: Fluvanna County Health Department
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Fridays: former J.C. Penney parking lot at Fashion Square Mall in Charlottesville/Albemarle
In addition to the above testing options, UVA Health offers free COVID-19 PCR tests:
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Mondays: The Church of the Incarnation, 6:00-7:30pm
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Tuesdays: Mt. Zion African Baptist Church, 5:30-7:00pm.
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Wednesdays: Mountain View Elementary School, 6:00-7:30pm
Next Molecular offers free PCR tests at the former J.C. Penney parking lot in Charlottesville on Tuesdays 9:00am-1:00pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-6:00pm.
The Community Testing Center at Pantops, which is run by VDH and contracted company AshBritt-IEM, is open Saturdays through Tuesdays from 9:00am-5:30pm. Appointments are available and encouraged, but walk-ins are also. Tests are free and available to anyone ages 3 months and older.
Visit our testing webpage for updated information and testing schedules. You will also find a list of additional testing locations throughout the District should you need more options for getting tested.
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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.
Continue to wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings.
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