January 20, 2021
Media Contact: Dr. Lindsey Cawood, Public Information Officer & Population Health Manager, Central Virginia Health District, Lindsey.Cawood@VDH.Virginia.Gov, (434) 477-5908
CVHD Enters Phase 1b
Central Virginia Health District (CVHD) entered COVID-19 vaccination Phase 1b today and is working hard to vaccinate residents as quickly as possible. Our health district, along with the rest of the state, is seeing much higher demand for the vaccine than the doses the commonwealth is receiving from the federal government.
“We are working on as many alternatives as possible to make the vaccine available,” said Kerry Gateley, M.D., MPH, CPE, health director of CVHD. “The health district will continue to request COVID-19 vaccine weekly, but how many doses will be received remains uncertain. We ask for patience as we gather more information about how much vaccine we can anticipate in the weeks to come.”
Once the vaccine is available, those eligible to receive it include police, fire rescue, teachers, mail carriers, and other essential workers whose jobs ensure continuity of government operations. Also included in Phase 1b are individuals age 65 or older as well as those 16-64 with a documented medical condition putting them at risk of severe infection.
Residents seeking to be vaccinated in Phase 1b should go to www.cvhd.org and click “Pre-Register for the Vaccine” to verify their eligibility and complete the pre-registration form. Those unable to complete the form online may call the CVHD Call Center, at (434) 477-5965. Businesses whose employees are 1b eligible may have a representative call the CVHD Call Center to complete preregistration as a worksite. Those who pre-register will receive a call when it is their turn to be vaccinated, but a significant wait time may occur until the supply of vaccine increases. “We ask for the public’s patience,” Gateley said. “This is a huge undertaking, and our staff and partners are working diligently to make the vaccination process as smooth as possible.”
Gateley explained that many community partners are working together to ensure residents have multiple points of access to receive vaccination. In the meantime, it is important to remain vigilant in COVID-19 prevention. Continue to protect yourself and others: wear a mask, wash your hands, stay at least six feet away from others, and avoid gatherings with anyone who is not a member of your household.
For the latest developments on vaccine distribution in our area, please visit CVHD’s website and Facebook pages, at cvhd.org and facebook.com/CentralVAHealthDistrict.