BRHD Vaccine Supply + Expansion to 1B Individuals with High Risk Medical Conditions
This week, BRHD received over 3,000 first dose COVID-19 vaccines for the entire District. We are excited that our supply is increasing weekly but it is still limited right now. Last week, we received our first shipment of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine and administered shots to nearly 2,000 people on Friday and Saturday. We will not receive another J&J shipment until later this month. By the end of April, we anticipate a significant increase in vaccine supply and availability among area providers.

BRHD is now vaccinating individuals ages 16 to 64 with certain conditions or disabilities that increases their risk of severe illness from COVID-19. We are beginning to vaccinate these individuals in order of survey submission, until VDH provides guidance on which medical conditions to prioritize. 

This week, we have clinics in the following localities (all by appointment only): 
  • Tuesday, March 9 - Albemarle, Charlottesville 
  • Wednesday, March 10 - Albemarle, Charlottesville, Louisa
  • Thursday, March 11 - Albemarle, Charlottesville, Nelson
  • Friday, March 12 - Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna
  • Saturday, March 13 - Greene
Appointment Scheduling Software Update
BRHD is temporarily using EventBrite to schedule appointments for large clinics in Charlottesville/Albemarle and some localities. Individuals will receive an email directly from BRHD’s EventBrite account to schedule an appointment time and then will complete their registration in PrepMod on-site. 

Additionally, the VAMS system is no longer being used. It is not necessary to look for appointments in VAMS any longer.

Currently, we are only using EventBrite and PrepMod. Invitations for first dose vaccination sites arrive via EventBrite and email. For smaller sites or second dose clinics, PrepMod links are emailed directly in advance of the clinic.

As a reminder, we ask that people do not share PrepMod links. Sharing PrepMod links may result in your appointment being cancelled, as well as cancelling appointments for those who didn’t receive the link directly from BRHD.
Pre-Registration Updates + Essential Workers
Update Your Information: Improvements have been made to the statewide vaccine pre-registration system, including the ability to verify and update your information. If you are already pre-registered, you should verify your information and update your record now by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or calling 877-VAX-IN-VA, because additional questions have been added to the pre-registration form.

Essential Workers Need to Pre-Register: All essential workers need to pre-register in the new state pre-registration system for their free COVID-19 vaccine. BRHD previously worked with employers to collect line lists of staff to vaccinate but is no longer continuing this process as the state rolled out the new pre-registration system. VDH and BRHD asks that all essential workers complete the pre-registration system for themselves and indicate their occupation and workplace name. We will contact organizations who previously filled out the BRHD 1B Essential Worker survey to share this information and encourage all employers to assist employees with pre-registering in the new state system. 

To pre-register, you may:
New CDC Guidance for When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
Today, the CDC released new guidelines for individuals who have been fully vaccinated (which is two weeks after their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine). Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start doing some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic. When in public, everyone (whether vaccinated or not), should continue to wear face masks, stand 6+ feet apart, avoid large crowds, etc.

What’s Changed - If you have been fully vaccinated: 
  • You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
  • You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
  • However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

What Hasn’t Changed - For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated: 
  • You should still take steps to protect yourself and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Take these precautions whenever you are:
  • In public
  • Gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household
  • Visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk
  • You should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings.
  • You should still delay domestic and international travel. If you do travel, you’ll still need to follow CDC requirements and recommendations.
  • You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
  • You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace.
Community Based Clinics: Louisa Success Story
A note from BRHD community partner, Louisa County NAACP: “The COVID-19 Clinic to serve the underserved population of Louisa County was a phenomenal event. Using the combined efforts of BRHD, UVA Health, Louisa County Schools, Louisa County government, the Louisa branch of NAACP, and local churches three hundred people received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning in the dreariness of the morning, they came by Jaunt, using canes, walkers, and wheelchairs with broad smiles behind their masks. Not to be doubted, they arrived early for their appointed times and they left with a pep in their steps as they verbally expressed their gratitude. As the sun peeked through the clouds, they continued to come and their departure demeanors were the same....gratitude galore. The phones continue to ring as they are still calling to say, “thank you.” As a community we are strengthened by the efforts of all involved.”
March COVID-19 Testing Sites
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. Below are sites happening next week.

UVA Health is also continuing to offer weekly free COVID-19 testing events.

For a complete list of free drive-thru COVID-19 testing events in February, visit the BRHD website.
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.
Protect yourself and others by continuing to wear your mask, keeping your distance from others, and avoiding indoor gatherings.