COVID-19 Testing Update

Since April 2020, the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) has hosted multiple free drive-through COVID-19 testing clinics every week throughout the District. BRHD’s drive-through testing will end at the end of this month, June 2022.


BRHD was one of the first Districts in Virginia to offer free drive-through testing clinics, with over 25,100 free COVID-19 PCR tests administered at our drive-through sites over the past two years! We are incredibly thankful for the dedicated staff and volunteers who helped test so many in our community. Pictured below is BRHD staff at our District’s very first COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic on April 25, 2020 in Fluvanna County. 


It is important to note that free COVID-19 testing remains available throughout the District:


  • UVA Health will continue to offer free COVID-19 testing on Monday and Tuesday evenings, with the exception of Monday, July 4. NEXT Molecular Lab will offer free testing at Fashion Square Mall on Wednesdays and Fridays in July from 3:30-6:30 pm. These test sites and partnerships have been instrumental in maintaining the health of our community and will remain in place for the foreseeable future. 


  • In addition to a number of testing resources listed on the BRHD testing webpage, the federal government continues to provide free in-home COVID-19 tests. Each order now contains 8 test kits and can be ordered here at no cost. We encourage everyone to utilize these testing resources as the need arises. 

BRHD staff at the District’s first free COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic on April 25, 2020, in Fluvanna County.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

6 Months - 5 Years Old

On Wednesday, June 15, the FDA’s independent Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) met to review Pfizer and Moderna’s research on their respective COVID-19 vaccines for young children (ages 6 months to 5 years old). VRBPAC voted unanimously to recommend emergency use authorization for both vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine is a three-dose series available for ages 6 months to 4 years, and Moderna’s vaccine is a two-dose series available for ages 6 months to 5 years. FDA leadership is expected to officially authorize both vaccines by the end of the week. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 to evaluate the data for the vaccines. 


VDH is working with both the CDC and FDA to provide COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 years old. If CDC authorizes and recommends the use of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, they will be available in Virginia approximately June 21-22, 2022. Assuming authorization and recommendation, vaccines will be available at local health departments and partnering healthcare providers, including pediatrician and family practice offices, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and some pharmacies. Parents should contact their healthcare provider for information on when appointments will be available for their child. BRHD will also notify the community when vaccines for children under 5 years of age are available at our local health departments.

BRHD Offices Closed on

Monday, June 20 & Friday, June 24

On Monday, June 20, 2022, all BRHD offices and clinics will be closed in observance of Juneteenth. This will include the COVID-19 Resource Hotline and any BRHD-run COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites. UVA Health will offer testing and vaccinations on June 20 as usual.


Click here to learn more about the history and importance of Juneteenth!


BRHD offices will also be closed on Friday, June 24, 2022, for staff development. The Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Friday, June 24 will be open as usual.

National HIV Testing Day

National HIV Testing Day is observed annually on June 27th as a way to encourage everyone to get tested and know their HIV status. This year, rather than just one day, BRHD has a week packed full of testing events! At each event, our testing team will be providing free, rapid results - just one little finger stick and 60 seconds later, results are ready!


Join us at one of our events in observance of National HIV Testing Day:


If you are unable to attend any of these testing events, but still want to be tested, we have free At-Home HIV Test Kits available by mail! For more information on HIV testing, including ordering a free in-home HIV test kit or free condoms, call 434-989-3292.

Latest Updates on Long COVID Conditions

On May 27, 2022, CDC released their latest report into the rate of post-COVID conditions (also known as long COVID or long-haul COVID) among persons infected with the SARS-COV-2 virus. Their report detailed that approximately 1 in 5 adults between the ages of 18-64 and 1 in 4 adults ages 65+ developed a long-term health condition potentially attributable to their initial positive case. CDC defines long-term in this context as occurring for at least four or more weeks following a COVID-19 infection. The report specifically evaluated nine categories of potential long-term health conditions following acute infection: 


  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Pulmonary/respiratory conditions
  • Renal conditions (including kidney failure)
  • Hemolytic (rupture or clotting of red blood cells) & vascular conditions
  • Gastrointestinal conditions
  • Neurologic conditions 
  • Mental health conditions
  • Musculoskeletal conditions
  • Endocrine conditions


In discussing the findings of their research, CDC acknowledged that the occurrence of post-COVID conditions may adversely affect patients’ health care needs and financial stability, as well as carry economic consequences that negatively affect their ability to participate in the workforce and support dependents. 


As the cumulative number of COVID-19 infections rise, so does the number of patients who develop post-COVID conditions. To lower these incidences, CDC affirms that the implementation of COVID-19 prevention strategies (like vaccines, social distancing, and mask usage) is critical in reducing the overall occurrence of COVID-19 infections. CDC also recommends providers implement routine assessments for post-COVID conditions to ensure appropriate care and treatment (if applicable) is available and timely. 


If you’ve been experiencing new or recurring symptoms for more than a couple weeks since your initial COVID-19 infection, talk to your provider.

ABCD's of Safe Sleep for Babies

Did you know sleep-related fatalities, including Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), are a leading cause of death for infants between one month and one year of age? Keep your baby healthy while they snooze by remembering the ABCD’s of safe sleep:

  • Alone: Babies should not share a bed with parents or siblings. They are safest by themselves in a crib or bassinet in the parents bedroom.
  • Back: The safest way for babies to sleep is lying flat on their back. 
  • Crib: An infant’s crib space should be clear of any blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, and stuffed toys- these objects can become suffocation hazards.
  • Do Not Smoke: Smoke of any kind has shown to be a risk factor for SUID and breathing problems in babies. Keep smoke away from the baby, whether it’s from cigarettes or vaping. 


The Blue Ridge Safe Sleep Program is committed to keeping parents and caregivers up-to-date on the importance of safe sleep in the prevention of SUID and other sleep injuries. To learn more about safe sleep, visit VDH’s Safe Sleep Virginia website.

BRHD Narcan Resources

Narcan (naloxone) is a nasal spray used to treat opioid overdoses in an emergency situation. As most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed specifically for first responders and any family, friends, or bystanders without medical training who may encounter an overdose.


Each month, BRHD hosts a number of free Narcan distribution sites throughout the District. During these events, individuals are trained on how to identify an overdose and properly administer Narcan. In addition to receiving free Narcan, community members can pick up rapid in-home HIV test kits, condoms, lube, and other health-related supplies at no cost.


For a full list of BRHD Narcan distribution events, visit our website or call 434-484-0255.

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