Now Vaccinating: 12 and up!
On Wednesday, May 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the CDC approve Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents ages 12-15. As a result, BRHD is now vaccinating anyone 12 years and older!

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. 

Looking to schedule your vaccine appointment? Use our direct access link to the VAMS appointment system to schedule your own appointment at one of our upcoming BRHD clinics. You can also call our BRHD Hotline Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm to schedule over the phone or find our nearest walk-in clinics: 434-972-6261.

When scheduling a Pfizer vaccine appointment for anyone under 18, remember that an adult must be present to sign a vaccine consent at both the first and second dose appointments.
ICYMI: BRHD Town Hall
This week, BRHD hosted a virtual Town Hall with updates on vaccination efforts, new local vaccine dashboards, and more. Dr. Denise Bonds, BRHD Director, and Ryan McKay, BRHD Incident Commander, were joined by Dr. Carlos Armengol of Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville and Dr. Jeffrey Vergales of UVA Health Pediatric Cardiology, who answered questions from the community about vaccinating children against COVID-19.

Did you miss the Town Hall? Watch it in its entirety here.
National Spotlight: Reverend Walter Kim
"Getting vaccinated is one of the best expressions of loving our neighbors."

This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sat down with Reverend Walter Kim, as part of their new "Trusted Voices" series on vaccine acceptance. You may recognize Reverend Kim, as he is a local to Charlottesville! He currently serves as the Pastor for Leadership at the Trinity Presbyterian Church of Charlottesville, as well as President of the National Association of Evangelicals.

Reverend Kim's full feature can be viewed on YouTube and shared widely.
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 Peyton Beaumont, COVID-19 Contact Tracer for BRHD!

How long have you worked with BRHD?
I started working at BRHD in August 2020.
 
What is your job?
I call people who have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 to go over quarantine guidelines and check up on how they're feeling.
 
Who are you outside of BRHD?
My favorite things to do on my days off are reading a good book, enjoying the nice Spring weather, and walking around the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville. I previously worked at Cville Escape Room and will be working there again soon! I am also a college student at George Mason University, studying Global and Community Health.
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 18, from 4:00-7:00pm
  • Emmanuel Christian Center, 111 New Life Drive, Ruckersville, VA 
  • Appointments can be scheduled on May 14 and May 17 by calling 434-972-6261
 
THURSDAY, May 20, from 4:00-7:00pm
  • Mineral Baptist Church, 51 Louisa Avenue, Mineral, VA
  • Appointments can be scheduled on May 18 and May 19 by calling 434-972-6261

FRIDAY, May 21, from 4:00-7:00pm
  • Buford Middle School, 1000 Cherry Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 
  • Appointments can be scheduled on May 19 and May 20 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. Continue to wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings with other households.