Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Offers Vaccine Where Residents Live, Work, Play and Pray

April 28, 2022

Media Contact: Trice Gravatte, trice.gravatte@vdh.virginia.gov

Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Offers Vaccine Where Residents Live, Work, Play and Pray

(Culpeper, Va.) — Vaccines are safe, effective, and save lives.  Yet for some, accessing the life-saving shot can be challenging.  The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District (RRHD) is continuing to increase vaccination access by meeting residents where they live, work, play and pray.  RRHD is working with community organizations, churches, apartment complexes and more to raise awareness and provide vaccinations through temporary “pop-up” clinics.  Local staff have gone door to door in some areas to provide information, answer questions, and provide vaccine.

RRHD recently held a clinic at Belle Courts Apartments in Culpeper.  “The COVID-19 vaccine clinic was a success due to the efficiency, professionalism and a true caring of its citizens shown by the Rappahannock Rapidan Health District. They are a delightful group of people to work with and Belle Courts Apartments looks forward to more collaborations in the future,” said Courtney M. Hendricks, MBA, property manager.

A recent study by the Commonwealth Fund and Yale University estimated that COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S. from December 12, 2020 to March 31, 2022 prevented 66,159,093 cases, 17,003,960 hospitalizations, 2,265,222 deaths.  This reduction in total cases, hospitalizations and deaths saved the U.S. roughly $899.4 billion in healthcare costs. The study is based on a model that considers characteristics of four coronavirus variants and uses parameters such as U.S. population demographics, pandemic mobility patterns, and age-specific risks for poor COVID-19-related health outcomes.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against serious illness and hospitalization. Booster doses help, but not as much as getting your first dose/series!  If you have not gotten vaccinated or boosted and are eligible, please do so now. Do it for yourself, your family, and your community, including the health care workers we depend on when we truly need emergency care.

“We know that COVID disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic groups, so it is our duty to provide these types of services to our most vulnerable populations.  The efforts of our public health partners add up to healthier patients, and therefore a healthier community!” said UVA Culpeper Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nael Hasan.

COVID-19 cases are increasing in some areas across the U.S.  “We may see increases in cases due to Omicron variants,” said Dr. Trice Gravatte, health director.  “The best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community against COVID-19 is to be up-to-date on your vaccinations.”

RRHD recommends that you get vaccinated, or boosted, as soon as you are eligible.  Go to vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.  Local residents may call 540-308-6072 for help making an appointment.

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