INFORMATION CURRENT AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2021
When can people in Phase 1b be vaccinated?
Registration for vaccination appointments opened up to Phase 1b beginning on January 18, 2021. If you are included in Phase 1b, please fill out our Phase 1b vaccine interest form. Anyone in Phase 1a who has not yet been vaccinated is still eligible to register for appointments.
Who is included in Phase 1b?
Phase 1b covers essential employees and most vulnerable populations, including:
People who are:
- Age 65 or older
- People aged 16 through 64 years with certain conditions or disabilities that increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19
- Living in homeless shelters or without a permanent address
- Living in correctional facilities
- Living in migrant labor camps
Non-healthcare essential workers, such as:
- Police, fire, and hazmat
- Corrections and homeless shelter workers
- Childcare / preK-12 teachers / staff (public and private)
- Food and agriculture (including veterinarians)
- Manufacturing
- Grocery store workers
- Public transit workers
- Mail carriers (USPS and private)
- Officials needed to maintain continuity of government (including judges and public-facing judicial workers)
If you are included in Phase 1b, please fill out one of our Phase 1b vaccine interest forms.
How do I get vaccinated if I am in Phase 1b?
Vaccination requires an appointment. Anyone in Phase 1b who wants to be vaccinated should fill out this interest form to alert Richmond and Henrico Health Districts that you are eligible and need an appointment.
Phase 1b employers can also use the form to notify the Health District of how many employees they have who qualify for vaccination in Phase 1b.
Additional pathways to vaccination will be available in the coming weeks and months.
What about people aged 16 through 64 years with certain conditions or disabilities that increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19?
More information for these individuals is coming soon.
What happens after I complete the interest form?
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts will follow up as soon as possible with information about how to register for a vaccination appointment or to connect your employees to vaccination resources.
Do I have to be vaccinated by the Health Department?
RHHD continues to hold many vaccination events each week with a focus on priority groups, but we are also ramping up additional pathways to vaccination through regional partnerships. As the supply of vaccine increases in the coming months, options that may be available to you include primary care providers, safety net clinics, and pharmacies. Some partners are also committing to offering priority appointments for specific populations. For example, Daily Planet Health Services will take the lead on vaccinating people experiencing homelessness.
As more partners join in this important work, we will be able to vaccinate more and more people as quickly as possible.
Am I guaranteed an appointment for the second dose once I receive the first dose?
Everyone who receives the COVID-19 vaccine will be enrolled in a system that allows you to schedule appointments that are convenient for you, receive email reminders about upcoming appointments, and receive a certificate once your vaccination is complete. This system will help you to make a follow-up vaccination appointment for your second dose and even remind you that your appointment is coming soon.
How long will it take to vaccinate everyone in Group 1b?
It could take several months to offer two vaccine doses to everyone who wants to be vaccinated in Phase 1b. The Virginia Department of Health is likely to overlap phases to reach more residents sooner, so Phase 1c could begin before every person in Phase 1b has been reached.
For help with other questions, call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at 804-205-3501 or email RHHDvax@vdh.virginia.gov.