(WDBJ) – Some Virginia health districts will begin March 1 by vaccinating people ages 16 to 64 who have underlying medical conditions.
Mount Rogers Health District and Cumberland Plateau Health District and Lenowisco Health District will begin expanding the vaccine.
“16-64 year olds with underlying medical conditions have been part of Phase 1b,” said Dr. Karen Shelton, health director. “However, we have not yet had enough vaccine to open up to this population. With the increase in vaccine allocation through state allocation and federal pharmacy associations, and based on the number of vaccines already administered to the population aged 65 and over, we have determined that there is sufficient vaccine at this time. to start vaccinating this population. We are delighted to be able to offer vaccination to this population at this time. “
Those aged 65 and over will continue to be prioritized for vaccines as well as eligible front-line essential workers. Health department clinics and many community partners work off the pre-registration list to contact people eligible for appointments. To pre-register, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov/ or call 1-877-829-4682 for assistance with registration.
“We are also excited to announce a mass vaccination event for Mount Rogers, Cumberland Plateau and Lenowisco health district residents to be held on Saturday, March 6,” Shelton said. “This event will be for those aged 16 to 64 with underlying medical conditions and will allow us to begin this new phase of vaccination serving a large portion of those on our pre-registration waiting list. Please note that this event will only be by appointment, for those who are already on our waiting list ”.
Pfizer is licensed for ages 16 and up. The Virginia Department of Health says, “It’s important to note that Moderna is only allowed for people over the age of 18, so some places may not be able to accommodate children under the age of 18 because of the type of vaccine available.”
People with specific medical problems or conditions should discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with their providers.
People who are isolated or in quarantine for COVID-19 or who have another disease with a fever will not be able to be vaccinated until these conditions are resolved. Those who have had COVID-19 and have received monoclonal antibodies or plasma treatment are not eligible to receive vaccine until 90 days after treatment.
For information on the underlying medical conditions, click here. For more information on COVID-19 vaccination, click here.
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