(WDBJ) – Some health districts in Virginia will begin vaccinating people between the ages of 16 and 64 who have underlying medical conditions on March 1.
Mount Rogers Health District and the Cumberland Plateau Health District and Lenowisco Health District will begin expanding the vaccine.
Those 16-64 with basic medical conditions were part of Phase 1b, said Dr. Karen Shelton, director of health. However, we have not yet had enough vaccine to open this population. With the increase in vaccine allocation through the allocation of state and federal pharmaceutical partnerships and based on the number of vaccines already administered to the population aged 65 and over, we have established that there is enough vaccine at this time to start vaccinating this population. We are excited to be able to offer this vaccine to this population right now. ”
Those aged 65 and over will continue to receive priorities for vaccines, as will eligible front-line essential workers. Health department clinics and many community partners work outside the pre-registration list to contact people eligible for appointments. To register in advance, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov/ or call 1-877-829-4682 for registration assistance.
“We are also excited to announce a mass vaccination event for Mount Rogers, the Cumberland Plateau and residents of the Lenowisco Sanitary District, which will take place on Saturday, March 6,” Shelton said. This event will be for those 16-64 with basic medical conditions, and will allow us to begin this new phase of vaccination, serving much of those on our pre-registration waiting list. Please note that this event will only take place by appointment, for those who are already on our waiting list. ”
Pfizer is licensed to those over the age of 16. The Virginia Department of Health says, “It is important to note that Moderna is only licensed to people 18 years of age and older, so some sites may not be able to accommodate people under 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 quarantined for COVID-19 or who have another disease with a fever are not eligible for the vaccine until these conditions are met. Those who have had COVID-19 and received monoclonal antibodies or plasma treatment are not eligible to receive the vaccine for up to 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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