BRHD Update on Vaccines for 5-11 Year Olds |
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The roll out of COVID-19 vaccines for 5-11 year olds has been very successful thus far. Since we began vaccinating this age group on November 6th, over 4,674 kids have received their first dose! That means around 24% of children ages 5-11 in our District are one step closer to being protected against COVID-19. We are grateful for the many community partners, schools, and pediatricians who have helped with this vaccine roll out. There are still a number of ways for how everyone can get a COVID-19 vaccine, including school-based clinics this weekend.
Over the past week, BRHD hosted nine school-focused clinics throughout the District for 5-11 years olds and vaccinated 565 students! This weekend, we will continue to offer school-based, drive-thru clinics. Appointments are still available for the following clinics and can be made by clicking the link and registering online:
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Don't Forget the Second Dose! |
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COVID vaccines are safe, effective, and now available to anyone 5 years and older. The Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11 has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults (ages 18+) and adolescents (ages 12-17), but is one-third of the adult dose. Smaller needles, designed specifically for children, are also used for ages 5-11. Unlike many medications, COVID-19 vaccine dosage does not vary by patient weight but by age on the day of vaccination.
Just like with adults who receive a Pfizer COVID vaccine, children ages 5-11 will need to return for a second dose of their vaccine. In BRHD, second dose appointments are made at the first dose appointment.
While the CDC recommends receiving the second dose three weeks after the first, second doses may be given up to six weeks after the first dose and still be effective.
Ready to schedule your child’s vaccine appointment? Visit our website for more information on vaccine resources throughout BRHD.
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Thanksgiving: Holiday Vaccine and Testing Hours |
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During the week of Thanksgiving, November 22-26, BRHD offices, including testing and vaccination sites, will have a slightly different operating schedule.
General Health Department Services:
BRHD offices will be open for general health department services Monday (11/22) and Tuesday (11/23) from 8:00am-4:30pm and Wednesday (11/24) from 8:00am-12:00pm. BRHD offices will be closed Thursday (11/24) and Friday (11/25). Normal office hours will resume on Monday, November 29.
Vaccines:
BRHD will provide free COVID vaccines at the start of the week:
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Monday: Greene County Health Department, 12:00-4:00pm
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Tuesday: Louisa County Health Department, 12:00-4:00pm
The Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at Seminole Square (393 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville 22901) will provide vaccinations as walk-ins and appointments for ages 12+ and by appointment only for 5-11 year olds as follows:
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Monday: 10:00am-8:00pm
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Tuesday: 10:00am-8:00pm
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Wednesday: 8:00am-6:00pm
*The CVC will reopen at 10:00am on Monday, November 29
For additional vaccine resources, visit the BRHD website. It is recommended to call ahead to any providers, pharmacies, or other vaccination sites to double check holiday hours.
Testing:
BRHD and Next Molecular will not be offering COVID Testing at local health departments or the JCPenney at Fashion Square.
UVA Health will host their weekly testing at the start of the week:
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Monday: The Church of the Incarnation, 6:00-7:30pm
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Tuesday: Mt. Zion African Baptist Church, 5:30-7:00pm
Visit the BRHD website for more testing resources. It is recommended to call ahead to any primary care providers, pharmacies, or other testing locations to confirm their schedule for services.
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The Best Recipe of All: A Healthy Thanksgiving |
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As we head into Thanksgiving week, it is important to remember that COVID is still spreading throughout our community. This holiday, don’t give COVID a seat at the table! Stay safe and healthy by:
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Getting Vaccinated - vaccines are safe, effective, and available to anyone 5 years and older.
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Wearing Masks - masks help slow the spread of COVID and keep us healthy.
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Washing Hands - always a good habit, keeping clean hands also helps prevent the spread of COVID.
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Congregating Outdoors - outdoor spaces provide more airflow and are safer than gathering indoors.
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Communicating Expectations - before meeting with loved ones, communicate what you are comfortable with, what you plan to avoid, and how you would most enjoy a safe and healthy holiday gathering.
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Traveling Safely - consider the risks of different ways of traveling and choose the safest possibility.
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Foregoing the Festivities - if you are not feeling well or have been exposed, opt for a virtual gathering or celebrate at a later date.
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Yancey Community Center:
Free Flu and COVID Vaccines
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On Tuesday, November 30 from 5:00-8:00pm, BRHD will provide free COVID and Flu vaccines at the Yancey Community Center (7625 Porters Road, Esmont, 22937).
Flu Shots:
- Available to anyone 2 years and older
- Walk-ins welcome
COVID Vaccines:
- Available for anyone 5 years or older. Appointments preferred for anyone 5-11 years of age
- Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccines available
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Booster doses available
All vaccines are free. No insurance or papers are required.
Have questions? Want to make an appointment? Call Willie Mae Gray at 434-270-3126.
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Thank you, Public Health Workers! |
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Monday, November 22 is National Public Health Thank You Day!
BRHD is immensely thankful for the dedication of our staff and all public health workers each and every day.
Thank you, Public Health Workers!
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BRHD Career Opportunities
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If you are ready for the next step in your career, consider joining the BRHD team! More opportunities will be available in the near future, but BRHD is currently accepting applications for:
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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 Pam Macpherson, Public Health Nurse in Albemarle, Charlottesville, and Nelson.
How long have you been at BRHD?
Since September 2021
What is your job?
I will be the public health nurse for Nelson County, but will be assisting in community clinics in Charlottesville and Albemarle.
Who are you outside of BRHD?
I like to hike and be outdoors. Before coming to BRHD, I was an elementary school nurse for 4 years in Albemarle County and the nurse manager for a pediatric practice in Charlottesville for a year. I moved here 5 years ago from northern Virginia where I worked for Kaiser as a pediatric nurse for 10 years. I sing in the Crozet Community Chorus (when we're not in a pandemic!) and love music. I love dogs. As a part time job I work in the tasting room of one of the local wineries, which is a great way to meet all kinds of interesting people - and get to drink wine!
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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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