EASIER COVID-19 VACCINE REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR SENIORS

March 17, 2021
Media Contact: Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Public Information Officer Cat Long, 804-363-0933,  RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov

EASIER COVID-19 VACCINE REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR SENIORS

RICHMOND, VA – Seniors ages 65 and older who live in Richmond City or Henrico County no longer have to wait for an email or phone call to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Seniors can now call the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts’ COVID-19 hotline (804-205-3501) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to schedule an appointment directly.

This change in registration process was established after Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) called or emailed nearly every senior who pre-registered for a COVID-19 vaccine. RHHD are now opening up phone lines to make the process easier for seniors in our area who have not yet received their COVID-19 vaccine.

“We’ve heard from frustrated seniors who have missed our calls that it’s not sustainable for them to live their lives right next to their telephone,” explains Amy Popovich, Nurse Manager at RHHD. “We’re hopeful that cutting out some steps in the registration process helps us vaccinate more seniors and makes the process easier for everyone.”

Although the hotline is staffed in the evenings and on weekends to answer general questions, seniors must call during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to schedule their appointment.

Anyone interested in a COVID-19 vaccine who is not a senior should pre-register by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or calling 877-VAX-IN-VA and wait until they are contacted for an appointment. Due to limited staff capacity and vaccine supply, only seniors ages 65 and older can schedule an appointment on demand.

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About Richmond and Henrico Health Districts: RCHD and HCHD are sister public health agencies serving Richmond’s and Henrico’s communities. Our mission is to expose and address the root causes of health disparities, protect health by preventing the spread of disease, and build health equity by partnering with communities and working collaboratively across sectors.