Vaccines: Allocations, Expansions, and Appointments |
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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.
On Monday, May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents aged 12 to 15. While this is an exciting first step toward offering this vaccine and its protection to more than 400,000 Virginians, we must await additional federal approval before doing so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is expected to meet Wednesday to discuss today’s action by the FDA and make a recommendation to the CDC whether to approve using this vaccine in adolescents. Virginia would not begin offering the vaccine to those 12 and older until the CDC approves doing so.
Looking to schedule your vaccine appointment? Use our direct access link to the VAMS appointment system. You will be able to schedule your own appointment at one of our upcoming BRHD clinics. When scheduling a Pfizer vaccine appointment for 16-17-year-olds, remember that an adult must be present to sign a vaccine consent at both the first and second dose appointments.
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A New Resource:
BRHD Vaccine Data Dashboards
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In addition to the BRHD COVID-19 cases and testing dashboards on our website, a new set of dashboards were launched this week to showcase the District's vaccination efforts. On the BRHD vaccination information page, you can review both the summary and demographic information of vaccinations occurring in the Blue Ridge Health District. These dashboards are updated daily by 10 a.m.
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Why wait? Many vaccination locations in the District now have walk-in appointments - including our JCPenney and locality sites. See a full list of this month's walk-in offerings below or check vaccinefinder.org for a walk-in pharmacy or provider near you.
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Meet our Vaccination Partners |
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When it comes to healthy communities, BRHD cannot do it alone. We are thankful for the countless community partners who contribute to improved health throughout the District and would like you to know them, too. Meet Sara F., Project Manager with UVA Health!
What is your role in vaccination efforts?
I organize and manage UVA Health COVID-Vax efforts. I work with a great group of team members and community partners to provide equitable vaccination opportunities. Let’s end this pandemic!
What is the best part of your job?
Bringing together a diverse group of people to make an actionable plan and meet goals. Similar to a giant puzzle piece… with a few twists and turns along the way.
What did you do before this gig?
Managed a Baylor Health & Rehab Center in Dallas, TX, and worked for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville.
What is something you are doing for fun?
Re-watching Parks & Rec for the fifth time, spending time with my two sons, and getting the garden ready.
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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. |
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Meet Robbie Hodgson, Case Investigation Supervisor for BRHD!
How long have you worked with BRHD?
8 months.
What is your job?
I support the Contact Tracing and Case Investigation efforts of the COVID-19 Containment team. I am working with my colleagues to control the spread of COVID-19 and informing our community on how they can keep themselves and their close ones safe. I'm very invested in improving our team's cohesion through team building and I am always so happy to see a smile on someone's face, even if it's through a webcam.
Who are you outside of BRHD?
My favorite thing to do in the BRHD is to go to Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen & Brewery. Before BRHD, I was serving in AmeriCorps as a Team Leader. I spent most of my time shoveling rocks in New Mexico, which is such a beautiful place.
I enjoy playing video games, caring for my German Shepherds, and traveling with a purpose. My coolest story: When I was in 8th grade, I tied for 19th in the ACSI National Spelling Bee with 9 other people! The word I misspelled was triskaidekaphobia. Any guesses on the definition?
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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.
WEDNESDAY, May 12, from 4:00-7:00pm
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Beaver Dam Baptist Church, 1794 Richmond Road, Troy, Va
- Appointments can be scheduled on May 10 and May 11 by calling 434-972-6261
FRIDAY, May 14, from 4:00-7:00pm
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Buford Middle School, 100 Cherry Ave, Charlottesville, VA
- Appointments can be scheduled on May 12 and May 13 by calling 434-972-6261
TUESDAY, May 18, from 4:00-7:00pm
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Emmanuel Christian Center, 111 New Life Drive, Ruckersville, VA
- Appointments can be scheduled on May 14 and May 17 by calling 434-972-6261
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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 with other households. |
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