Monkeypox Updates

Monkeypox Vaccination Guideline Changes

Over the past couple weeks, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has conducted multiple listening sessions and reflected on concerns from the community regarding the monkeypox vaccination rollout. Based on this feedback, VDH is implementing two noticeable policy changes intended to increase vaccine uptake while taking extra steps to ensure privacy and reduce stigma associated with high-risk activities.

1. Adjusted Eligibility Criteria

Previously, individuals interested in a monkeypox vaccine were required to identify specifically which eligible at-risk group they belonged to. Now, individuals seeking monkeypox vaccination only need to confirm they meet the requirements without specifying which criteria they meet in particular. 

1. Vaccination Dose Location

In order to provide more discretion to those receiving monkeypox vaccination who may face increased stigmatization, individuals may now choose from three different location options on the body for receiving their vaccine dose. In addition to getting the vaccine in the skin of the forearm, doses can now be administered in the upper arm or the skin of the shoulder blade.

To learn more about vaccination and prevention for the monkeypox virus, visit VDH’s Monkeypox Prevention webpage.

Schedule an Appointment for a Monkeypox Vaccine

Are you eligible for a monkeypox vaccine? Ready to schedule your first or second dose appointment? Appointments can be made in the VASE+ scheduling system for those who meet eligibility requirements. Open VASE+, select the “Monkeypox” tab, and input your zip code to search for appointment openings near you. Due to limited supply, you may need to expand the distance range when searching in the system.

If you have questions or need assistance with scheduling, call the VDH State Hotline at 877-829-4682.

COVID-19 Updates

Upcoming COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Clinics

Need a bivalent booster? We’ve got your back! Stop by any of the COVID-19 vaccine clinics happening this coming week around the district:

• Saturday, October 15 from 2-4pm at the Scottsville Public Library (330 Bird St, Scottsville 24590)
• Wednesday, October 19 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Fluvanna County HS JV Football Game (1918 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Palmyra 22963)
• Saturday, October 22 from 5-7pm at Simpson Park (2401 Simpson Ln, Esmont 22937)

Each clinic will offer Pfizer (12+) and Moderna (18+) bivalent boosters. You must be at least two months past your completed your primary series or last booster dose to be eligible. Appointments are preferred, with limited walk-ins available. Visit our vaccine webpage here to view clinic details and schedule your appointment.

COVID Vaccine Clinics for Kids

Yesterday, the CDC signed a decision memo expanding the use of Bivalent boosters for those 5 years old and up. Both Pfizer (5-11 yo) and Moderna (6-11 yo) vaccines have been approved. Children are eligible for the Bivalent Booster if they have completed the primary series and are at least 2 months out from their last dose.

We anticipate the arrival of Pfizer vaccines at the end of next week and we will open clinics in our VASE+ system for both brands as soon as vaccine is available. Check for Bivalent kids boosters appointments in VASE+ here.

Primary Doses

Do you know a 6 month to 11 Year old who needs to complete their primary series of COVID vaccines? We have a clinic TOMORROW, October 15 from 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department on 1138 Rose Hill Drive, 22902. Come in through Door #1 to get a primary series dose for a child. We will also have Bivalent Boosters for accompanying parents! Schedule an appointment here.

We also have Moderna primary series COVID vaccines available at all of our Local Health Department sites until mid November. For any child needing to complete their primary series 2nd or 3rd dose, we can accommodate them in our Local Health Department Clinics through the month of October. Call our hotline at 434-972-6261 to schedule a primary series appointment for a child.

Queer Support from On Our Own Charlottesville

Searching for queer peer support? On Our Own Charlottesville has begun hosting a weekly virtual support group on Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm. The group is open to any LGSBTIQA+ identifying community member ages 18+ facing challenges with mental health, substance use, or trauma. No local residency required! You can find the Zoom link here. 

For more information about On Our Own Cville’s peer recovery center and supportive community, visit their website at onourowncville.org.

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day!

Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene

Celebrated every October 15, Global Handwashing Day is an annual advocacy day dedicated to promote handwashing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. If there’s anything we’ve learned from COVID-19 over the past few years, and monkeypox even more recently, proper handwashing is an integral part of our prevention toolkit. With the forecast of a severe flu season on the horizon, ensuring everyone uses effective handwashing techniques will be crucial in preventing further cases of illness this fall and winter. 

Five Steps to Proper Handwashing

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Visit the CDC’s When and How to Wash Your Hands webpage to learn more.

Flu Season

Based on influenza “flu” trends across South America, this year’s season is predicted to be severe. While the flu may not seem like a big deal, it’s important to remember it can be fatal to the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. We already have the tools we need to keep ourselves safe and healthy in the coming months, so let’s use them! 

Flu Preventative Action Tips

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Stay home when you don’t feel well
• Cover coughs and sneezes (tissue preferred!)
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus
• Get vaccinated!

The flu vaccine is one of the most effective methods for reducing transmission and preventing hospitalizations and death. Like other vaccines, it can’t guarantee you won’t contract the virus at all, but it can significantly lower your chances of experiencing severe illness. The vaccine changes every year to reflect the dominant strains circulating in our communities, so last year’s dose won’t protect you this year. Particularly for those at higher risk, getting the annual flu vaccine is essential to staying healthy and out of the hospital. 

Find a flu vaccine near you by searching the HealthMap Vaccine Finder, or by reaching out to your primary care physician. Visit the CDC website for more information on how to prevent the spread and keep yourself safe this flu season.