There has been a steady increase in the number of COVID-19 cases throughout the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) over the past three weeks. Majority of these cases are the highly contagious Delta variant and are from social and community gatherings. Given the growing rise in cases, we encourage everyone to remain diligent as COVID is spreading throughout our communities and affecting populations who are unable to get vaccinated at this time, like children. It is important that we continue to wear face masks in public, limit large indoor gatherings, and get vaccinated.
BRHD is still offering 1st and 2nd doses of COVID vaccine to everyone ages 12+ and 3rd doses to individuals who are immunocompromised that received Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. We are not offering booster shots until there is FDA and CDC ACIP approval. Read below for the latest information about FDA decisions on booster shots.
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Statement from Virginia State Vaccination Coordinator Dr. Danny Avula on FDA Advisory Committee Vote on Pfizer-BioNTech Booster Doses |
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The following statement is from state vaccination coordinator Dr. Danny Avula, MD, MPH:
“Today, an advisory committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted in favor of recommending booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to Virginians 65 years and up and those at high risk for severe COVID-19. This is simply a recommendation at this point, and booster doses will not be available in Virginia until the FDA issues an updated authorization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues new guidance. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice is scheduled to meet September 22-23, and we do not expect CDC to release recommendations before late next week at the earliest.
“VDH will continue its planning efforts with pharmacies, providers, hospitals and other partners as well as efforts to establish other vaccination sites to ensure that once the CDC issues guidance, eligible Virginians will be able to access a booster dose. VDH will provide information about accessing a booster dose on vaccinate.virginia.gov when more guidance is available.
“Those who are unvaccinated remain at the highest risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. Everyone 12 or older who lives or works in Virginia is eligible to be vaccinated. To find free vaccines nearby, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.”
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VDH COVID Test Results Text Messaging |
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VDH is making the process easier for people to be notified of positive COVID-19 test results — and anonymously share those results with others who may have been exposed. Since the end of January, VDH has been sending a series of text messages to people who receive a positive COVID-19 viral test result in Virginia.
These texts, which are automatically triggered when VDH receives any positive COVID-19 lab result registered with a valid mobile phone number, will provide rapid notification and encourage anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 to stay home and away from other people. The texts will come from 804-336-3915 and will only be sent between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The messaging, which is also available in Spanish, will then provide a link to the COVIDWISE Verification Code Portal. This online portal allows individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 to obtain a self-verification code, which will let them anonymously submit their test result through COVIDWISE, Virginia’s free COVID-19 Exposure Notifications app. These verification codes ensure that only valid positive COVID-19 tests are reported in COVIDWISE.
VDH remains steadfastly committed to COVIDWISE privacy protections and continued adoption and widespread use of exposure notifications as a tool to support the public’s health and reduce the spread of the virus.
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FREE Drive-Thru Narcan Event:
Monday, September 20
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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.
On the third Monday of each month, BRHD hosts a free drive-thru event where community members can receive free Narcan. Individuals are trained on how to identify an overdose and how to properly administer Narcan. In addition to Narcan, rapid in-home HIV test kits, condoms, lube, and more are provided for FREE.
Appointments and IDs are not required. For more information, call 434-484-0255.
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COVID Care Support Services |
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If you receive a positive COVID test result and will struggle with providing food, paying bills, or accessing other basic necessities during the isolation period, COVID-19 Care Support Services are here to help!
The COVID-19 Care Support Services program is available to residents of Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. If you or someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19 and in need of support during your quarantine period, reach out to the COVID-19 Care Support Services program directly or wait to hear from the health department. Delivery of resources are available as well as information to other community resources also.
For more information or to enroll in the program, call 434-981-4103.
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Fighting Hunger with a Text Message |
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Cultivate Charlottesville, in partnership with the City of Charlottesville and other groups, launched a new 24/7 phone number you can text to get information about free food sources near you. By simply texting “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 844-947-6518, individuals will be linked to resources.
The Food Security Text program enables anyone to find food resources in an area nearby. The program provides information about free local food resources in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Nelson, Greene, Augusta, Buckingham, and Louisa. Resources are available in both English (text “FOOD”) and Spanish (text “COMIDA”).
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To meet local demand, BRHD is hosting COVID PCR testing in each locality one day every week from 5:00-7:00pm. Appointments are not required, but may be made the two days prior by calling the BRHD COVID Resource Hotline (434-972-6261). Testing is available:
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Mondays- Greene County Health Department
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Tuesdays- Louisa County Health Department
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Wednesdays- Fluvanna County Health Department
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Thursdays- Nelson 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 in the greater Charlottesville/Albemarle area:
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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.
PCR testing is also available at the former J.C. Penney parking lot in Charlottesville on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 3:00-7:00pm.
All tests are FREE and weather dependent. Visit our testing webpage for updated information and testing schedules.
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Quit Smoking Blue Ridge:
Free Tobacco Cessation Classes
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Are you ready to quit using tobacco? Looking for a little more support as you continue the journey to healthy living?
There is still time to sign up for the Tobacco Free Community Coalition’s free virtual smoking cessation classes starting next week! These groups are informative and supportive and can help you successfully quit smoking or tobacco products.
Register in advance for the interactive support group by emailing Scott Mein at scottrmein@gmail.com.
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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 Audrey Stephenson, BRHD COVID Case Investigator.
How long have you been at BRHD?
Since September 2020
What is your job?
I call individuals in the District who have tested positive for COVID-19 and give them guidance on isolation. I also work to ensure containment of clusters and outbreaks in the community.
Who are you outside of BRHD?
For fun, I like to hike, run, watch shows (currently bingeing Modern Family), and hang out with friends in a socially distant fashion. To relax, I enjoy meditating as well as reading a book while taking a bath. One thing that I am very excited about is that this fall I will be beginning a Master of Applied Psychology program en route to eventually becoming a clinical psychologist!
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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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