Updated: CDC's COVID-19 Booster Recommendations
On March 31, CDC adopted new COVID-19 booster dose guidance recommended by the FDA to increase protection for certain populations at higher risk for severe disease:

  • Adults ages 50 years & up may receive a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 4 months after their first booster shot.
  • Individuals ages 12 and older who are considered moderately to severely immunocompromised may receive a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 4 months after their first booster dose.
  • Adults ages 18-49 who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for their first dose and booster shot may receive an mRNA booster dose (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 4 months after the first booster shot.

These new guidelines acknowledge that people ages 65 and older, as well as people over 50 with multiple underlying medical conditions, face an increased risk of negative health outcomes from a COVID-19 infection. CDC maintains that it is especially important for these populations to be boosted as they face the highest risk of serious negative health outcomes. Members of the general population who do not fall into these categories continue to be protected by the primary mRNA series and subsequent booster dose without the need for a second booster.

The updated recommendation for those who received Johnson & Johnson for their first and booster doses reflects newly published data further demonstrating high vaccine effectiveness when the initial J&J vaccine is followed by mRNA booster doses rather than further J&J.

Not sure if you should get a second booster dose? Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and whether or not you would be considered immunocompromised. 

Read the CDC’s full update here.
Vaccine Status: Are You Up To Date?
The CDC has provided updated definitions of your vaccination status. You are considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after the completion of your primary vaccine series (either 2 doses of Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson). You are considered “up to date” or “boosted” after receiving any brand of booster dose. If you received Pfizer or Moderna for your primary series, you are eligible for a booster dose 5 months after the second dose. If you received J&J, booster eligibility begins 2 months following your initial vaccination. 
 
Similar to other vaccines, like TDAP where you receive an initial vaccine and a booster dose later, staying up to date is the best way to protect yourself from the risks and negative health effects of COVID-19 infection. To read more from the CDC on how to determine your vaccination status, visit their vaccination page.
In-Home COVID-19 Tests: Trust the Positive Result
If you have tested positive with an in-home COVID-19 test kit, it is important to trust the results. The CDC has created an easy to follow guide for what to do after a positive test, as well as how to effectively quarantine if exposed to COVID-19. You can view these resources on the CDC website.

Additionally, if you do test positive with an in-home COVID-19 test kit, you can report your positive test to BRHD. If you choose to do so, you will receive follow up resources and guidance from our Epidemiology team with next steps on keeping you and your loved ones as healthy as possible. 

Looking for free COVID-19 tests? In-home test kits can be ordered on the USPS website. Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for performing the test.
Request Vaccinations for Your
Business, Agency, or Community
We’re bringing the vaccines to you!

If you represent a business, congregation, organization, agency, or community that wants 15 or more of your members to receive vaccinations or booster doses, let us know!

Simply complete our intake survey and we will get back to you within three (3) business days with information. Our vaccination team can serve residents in Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. These community clinics are offered at no cost and can provide first, second, third, and booster doses, as well as primary vaccines for those 5 years and older. Make your request now.
Updated Hours for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics at Local Health Departments
BRHD offers free COVID-19 vaccines at every local health department in the District! From 3:00-6:00pm, visit us to get your vaccine or booster: 
  • Mondays: Greene County Health Department (50 Stanard Street, Stanardsville)
  • Tuesdays: Louisa County Health Department (540 Industrial Drive, Louisa)
  • Wednesdays: Fluvanna County Health Department (132 Main Street, Rt. 15, Palmyra)
  • Thursdays: Nelson County Health Department (4038 Thomas Nelson Highway, Arrington)
  • Fridays: Charlottesville/Albemarle County Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Drive, Charlottesville)

Walk-ins are available at each clinic. If you choose to make an appointment, you can do so on the BRHD website or by calling the BRHD COVID-19 Hotline: 434-972-6261.
Mobi on the Mall Moves to Wednesdays
Mobi on the Mall is moving from Monday to Wednesday!

Beginning Wednesday, April 13, we will be administering free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall every Wednesday in April from 12:00pm-3:00pm. Along with COVID-19 vaccines, free N95 masks are available.

Have questions about where we will be next? Visit the BRHD Website for all the details on COVID-19 vaccines.
Test & Go: Free STI Screenings in April
Getting tested routinely for sexually transmitted infections helps slow the spread to others! It also allows us to treat the infection before permanent side effects set in.

In April, come get tested for free at Test & Go on April 5 and 19th from 4:30-6:00pm. No appointment needed.
Now Recycling: Masks!
Dogwood Refillery, in Seminole Square Shopping Center just behind Whole Foods on Zan Road, is recycling your used masks! Here, you can recycle any non-woven disposable plastic-based masks including 3-ply surgical, dust masks, KN95 and N95 masks.
 
Dogwood Refillery is open:
Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am - 4:00pm
 
Have questions? Send them an email.
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:
Wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings.