Vaccines for 5-11 Year Olds
BRHD is prepared for if/when the FDA and CDC approves COVID-19 vaccines for 5-11 year olds. Pfizer’s application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for authorization of its COVID-19 vaccination in children ages 5 through 11 years of age is just the beginning of an extended scientific review process that will take place before children can be vaccinated. Next steps will include multiple FDA reviews, followed by a recommendation from the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC). This committee is scheduled to meet on October 26, 2021. The CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will then review the FDA recommendations and conduct their own review of the Pfizer application. Then, CDC will issue it’s guidance on vaccines for 5-11 year olds. 

If approved, VDH will move to allow vaccinations throughout the state for those 5-11 years old. If/when they are approved, BRHD is ready to administer vaccines throughout the District at vaccine clinics, community sites, and in partnerships with a number of providers including pediatricians and pharmacists. We hope to have guidance by the end of October or early November in regards to if/when 5-11 year olds can get a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
CDC: Pregnant People Need Vaccines
The CDC has issued an urgent health advisory to increase COVID-19 vaccination among people who are pregnant, recently pregnant, who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future to prevent serious illness, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

This health advisory strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy because the benefits of vaccination for both pregnant persons and their fetus or infant outweigh known or potential risks.

Additionally, the advisory calls on health departments and clinicians to educate pregnant people on the benefits of vaccination and the safety of recommended vaccines. To do so, BRHD is partnering with UVA Health to host a live town hall on Wednesday, October 13th. Read below for more information about this town hall and how you can submit questions live or in advance.

Visit the CDC's website to read the latest on pregnancy and COVID.
BRHD and UVA Health to Host Live Town Hall
Blue Ridge Health District and UVA Health are partnering to host a live virtual town hall on Wednesday, October 13th at 7:00 PM to talk about vaccines among pregnant women and answer live questions from the community. We urge pregnant women to get vaccinated to prevent severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccines have proven to be safe and effective for pregnant women and for women to pass along antibodies to their babies.

Community members can register in advance on Zoom to ask questions live during the town hall. People can also submit questions in advance, until 12:00pm on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. 
 
 
All livestreaming options: 

More info about COVID vaccines and pregnancy on the CDC website.
Community Vaccination Center to Open in BRHD
The Virginia Department Health (VDH) will open a Community Vaccination Center (CVC) in the Blue Ridge Health District on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the former Big Lots store in Seminole Square in Charlottesville, Va. The CVC will be managed and operated by VDH partners AshBritt – IEM.

Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines will be available at no cost by appointment or walk-in. This site will offer vaccines to individuals who need their first or second dose, those who are immunocompromised and need a third dose, and those who are eligible to receive a booster shot (Pfizer only). 

The former Big Lots store, formerly the UVA Health COVID-19 vaccine center, will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Read all the details, including information on scheduling, here.
Flu Shots Widely Available in BRHD
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses: COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and seasonal flu (most often just called “flu”) is caused by infection with one of many influenza viruses that spread annually among people. With few exceptions, the annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. 

Flu vaccines are currently widely available at pharmacies and doctors across the District. Local Health Department offices are also offering flu vaccines by appointment only: 

Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (434-972-6200)
  • Thursday, October 14, 2021 – 1:00-3:30pm – by appointment
  • Tuesday, October 26, 2021 – 8:30am-3:30pm – by appointment

Fluvanna County Health Department (434-591-1960)
  • Tuesday, October 12, 2021 – 8:20am-3:30pm – by appointment

Greene County Health Department (434-985-2262)
  • Thursday, October 14, 2021 – 8:30-10:30am - walk-in flu vaccines
  • Friday, October 22, 2021 – 8:30-11:30am - by appointment

Louisa County Health Department (540 967-3703)
  • Tuesday, October 12, 2021 – 8:30am – 4:00pm – by appointment

Nelson County Health Department (434-263-8315)
  • Tuesday, October 19, 2021 – 8:20-11:20am – by appointment

Yancey Community Health Center (434-270-3216)
  • Thursday, October 21, 2021 – 10:00am -1:00pm – Walk-in flu vaccines

For more information on flu vaccines, visit our website.

In Observance of
Columbus Day and Yorktown Victory Day,
BRHD Offices are Closed Monday, October 11.
Meet the BRHD Team
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 Tia Waters, Care Resource Coordinator-.
 
How long have you been at BRHD?
Since November 2020
 
What is your job?
I conduct needs assessments with those diagnosed with COVID-19 in quarantine, connect them with local resources, assuring they have the basic necessities while at home. I collaborate with community partners to help provide wraparound services to those our program serves.
 
Who are you outside of BRHD?
I've worked in public health for quite some time, I love to help people. Outside of work I'm usually always spending time with my family. We enjoy being outside! I love to read when I have the time, go to the beach, travel, cook and bake, and find a good Netflix series to binge.
FREE COVID Testing in BRHD
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 business days prior by calling the BRHD COVID Resource Hotline (434-972-6261).

Testing Schedule:
  • Mondays- Greene County Health Department *excluding Monday 10/11/21*
  • Tuesdays- Louisa County Health Department
  • Wednesdays- Fluvanna County Health Department
  • Thursdays- Nelson County Health Department
  • 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:
  • Mondays: The Church of the Incarnation, 6:00-7:30pm
  • Tuesdays: Mt. Zion African Baptist Church, 5:30-7:00pm.

PCR testing in partnership with Next Molecular is also available at the former J.C. Penney parking lot in Charlottesville on Wednesday and Thursdays from 3:00-7:00pm.

All tests are FREE and weather dependent. Visit our testing webpage for updated information and testing schedules.
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.