Governor Youngkin Urges Virginians to
Become Vaccinated
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This week, Governor Glenn Youngkin released a public service announcement with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encouraging Virginians to get vaccinated as part of his COVID-19 Action Plan. While Governor Youngkin does not believe in mandating the vaccine, he believes it’s a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19.
“I have always been a strong advocate for everyone to get the vaccine. We know that the vaccine is the best protection against severe illness as a result of COVID-19. I have made the choice to get vaccinated and encourage everyone to join me in doing that, but ultimately it is a personal decision to do so,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “After a heartbreaking pandemic, getting vaccinated can insure that there are better days ahead for Virginia.”
“Vaccines work, and we applaud Governor Youngkin for sharing these very important messages. Most of the people hospitalized with COVID-19, especially those experiencing severe symptoms, are unvaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, please get vaccinated. It could save your life,” said Acting State Health Commissioner Colin M. Greene, MD, MPH.
Read the full release on the Governor’s webpage.
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Booster Protection
The most recent CDC reports show that mRNA booster doses are still offering high levels of protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. During the latest Omicron surge, data has shown vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization to be 91% during the first two months after a booster dose and 78% in the four or more months after a booster. While approximately 69% of our District’s population have finished their primary series, only about 38% of BRHD residents have received a booster dose. Getting a booster dose is one of the best ways to protect yourself against a COVID-19 infection and potential long term negative health consequences.
Virginia Hospitalizations
Over the past two weeks, deaths reported due to COVID-19 in Virginia have risen 157%, from an average of 577 deaths per day to 1,466. Out of all 50 states, Virginia is currently facing the sharpest increase in daily death averages. While case numbers begin to decrease as we exit the surge, many of those with severe illness from COVID-19 remain hospitalized. To help ease the strain on our overburdened health system and decrease your chance of hospitalization, use a layered approach to COVID-19 mitigation: wear a mask, get vaccinated and boosted, and maintain a safe physical distance.
High Transmission
Nationwide, COVID-19 case counts are declining. Still, it is important to recognize that case transmission remains high overall throughout our District. As we begin to reach the end of our largest surge yet, remember that the number of positive cases has been higher than at any other point in the pandemic thus far. The decreasing case trend is important, but it is even more crucial to sustain mitigation strategies to keep yourself and those around you safe.
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Pfizer Vaccine for Children Under 5 Years |
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Last week, Pfizer submitted their clinical trial data for review by the FDA, a critical step before the FDA can authorize the vaccine for public use. The FDA and CDC will review the data for safety and efficacy and, if it is authorized, vaccines could be available for children under 5 as soon as this spring.
The proposed vaccine is one-tenth the dose of the Pfizer vaccine given to adults and those 12 years and older (5-11 year-olds receive a dose that is one-third of the adult dose). According to a national study from the Kaiser Family Foundation, roughly one in three surveyed parents of kids in this age group said they plan to vaccinate their children as soon as the vaccine is approved.
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BRHD Closed on Monday, February 21, 2022 |
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All BRHD offices and clinics will be closed on Monday, February 21, in observance of President’s Day. The one exception is our Mobi on the Mall COVID-19 vaccine clinic which will operate at 507 East Main Street on the Downtown Mall, from 12:00-3:00pm.
Normal business hours will resume at 8:00am on Tuesday, February 22.
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We are hiring a Fiscal Tech to serve as the subject matter expert of Accounts Receivable for Blue Ridge Health District. The position will perform complex technical duties and train staff regarding technical and administrative program changes. Additionally, the Fiscal Tech disseminates policy and procedural information and provides training to assure staff have a working knowledge of administrative protocols. To learn more or apply, visit the full job posting, which closes 2/24/2022.
We are also hiring a Nutritionist Associate on our WIC program, who will assess nutrition eligibility of applicants/clients within program guidelines, independently prescribe food packages, and set dietary goals based on the assessments. The position also performs basic laboratory measurements including height, weight and hemoglobin. To learn more and apply, visit the full job posting, which will close on 2/24/2022.
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Each week, we introduce 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 Kathleen Morgan, Provider Liaison for BRHD.
How long have you been at BRHD?
October 2020
What is your job?
I was originally hired as part of the BRHD Containment Team as a Case Investigator in October 2020. In March 2021, I transitioned to the BRHD Vaccine Team as the Provider Liaison. I work with providers and pharmacists throughout our District, coordinating COVID-19 vaccination supply, and updating them with new information from the CDC and VDH. I am the backup coordinator and scheduler for Homebound vaccination efforts and also communicate regularly with the local radio stations to broadcast details about our vaccination events
Who are you outside of BRHD?
I started my career as a cardiology nurse at Mary Washington Hospital and then the NIH Medical Center in the Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. After that, I worked in cardiovascular research before joining the Charlottesville COVID Response Team. I volunteer at "Forever Angels" where I use donated wedding dresses to sew angel gowns for infants who tragically do not survive. I enjoy the beach, music, hiking, biking and wining. Best of all, we welcomed our first 2 grand-babies to our family this year! The pandemic hasn't been all bad!
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BRHD continues to host free COVID-19 PCR testing in each locality one day every week from 4:30-6:30pm. Appointments are not required, but may be made by calling the BRHD COVID-19 Resource Hotline (434-972-6261, open M-F 8am-4:30pm) or self-registering on the BRHD website:
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Mondays: Louisa County Health Department
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Tuesdays: Greene County Health Department
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Wednesdays: Nelson County Health Department
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Thursdays: Fluvanna 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:
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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
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Wednesdays: Mountain View Elementary School, 6:00-7:30pm
Next Molecular offers free PCR tests at the former J.C. Penney parking lot in Charlottesville on Tuesdays 9:00am-1:00pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-6:00pm.
The Community Testing Center at Pantops, which is run by VDH and contracted company AshBritt-IEM, is open Saturdays through Tuesdays from 9:00am-5:30pm. Appointments are available and encouraged, but walk-ins are also accepted. Tests are free and available to anyone ages 3 months and older.
Visit our testing webpage for updated information and testing schedules. You will also find a list of additional testing locations throughout the District should you need more options for getting tested.
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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:
Wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings.
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