Category: Uncategorized

HENRICO COUNTY ENTERS MEDIUM CDC COVID-19 COMMUNITY LEVEL

Posted on by amberpadilla

May 16, 2022- After weeks of having low COVID-19 community level, the CDC reported Henrico County as having moved to the medium COVID-19 community level. Although Richmond City is still reported as having low COVID-19 community level, COVID-19 cases are increasing within the city and it is likely to enter medium COVID-19 community level in the coming weeks. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) recommends everyone in the region take precautions.

The CDC’s COVID-19 community level is a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area.

Based on CDC guidance for individuals who live in an area with medium COVID-19 community level, RHHD recommends everyone who lives, works, or spends time in Henrico County to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, improve ventilation in indoor spaces, and follow CDC recommendations for isolation or quarantine if sick or exposed. Because increasing case counts are observed across the entire region, RHHD recommends Richmond residents also take precautions. Individuals who are immunocompromised, at high risk for severe illness, or who spend time with high risk individuals should consider wearing a mask around others.

RHHD also continues to recommend everyone keep several at-home tests in their home in case it’s needed. Individuals can request free tests at covidtests.gov, purchase a test at a pharmacy and submit a claim to their insurance, or pick up a free COVID-19 home test at some Richmond Public Library locations (Broad Rock, East End, Ginter Park, Main Library, and North Ave). RHHD is also increasing the availability of free COVID-19 PCR test events to meet a potential increased demand; visit rchd.com for more information on testing.

“We understand that moving into a medium level may leave folks feeling frustrated or tired,” says Dr. Melissa Viray, Acting Director of RHHD. “However, this is what we’ve been preparing for. We have an opportunity to implement CDC guidance to minimize the worst impacts of a COVID surge while still functioning as a society. If we stay up to date on COVID vaccinations and implement more prevention measures during times of increased transmission, we can protect our most vulnerable and maintain healthcare’s capacity to care for us… all while still being able to maintain some activities in person.”

About Richmond and Henrico Health Districts: RHHD 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.

INCREASE IN COVID-19 VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS FOR 5-11 YEAR OLDS

Posted on by amberpadilla

November 13, 2021- Following initial shipment of pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, all Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 vaccination clinics are fully stocked with enough supply to evade any potential supply issues. Additional appointments are now available at the Arthur Ashe CVC.

Since pediatric COVID-19 vaccines for 5-11 year olds became available in our area on November 4th, about 1,000 Richmond children and about 2,00 Henrico children in this age range have received their first dose. This is about 6.8% and about 7.2% respectively of the population of 5-11 year olds within these areas. Vaccination rates among children are now available on the VDH dashboard.

“We strongly urge parents to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19,” explains Amy Popovich, Nurse Manager at RHHD. “Vaccinating kids is the best way to keep kids safe and healthy, avoid missing school due to a quarantine, and prevent exposure to more vulnerable community members.”

There are upcoming opportunities at the Arthur Ashe CVC, which runs Monday through Saturday from 10:00am-7:30pm. RHHD is partnering with local school systems to host special pediatric clinics on November 13th at Fairfield and MLK Middle Schools and November 20th at Elk Middle School and George Wythe High School, all which take place from 10:00am-3:00pm.

Appointments for these and other clinics can be found at vax.rchd.com or by calling 804-205-3501.

OPORTUNIDADES DE VACUNACIÓN CONTRA EL COVID-19 PARA NIÑOS DE 5 A 11 AÑOS EN RICHMOND Y HENRICO

Posted on by amberpadilla

4 de noviembre 2021- A raíz de la aprobación de los CDC y la FDA de la vacuna Pfizer contra el COVID-19 para niños de 5 a 11 años, las oportunidades de vacunación ya están disponibles para los niños de Richmond y Henrico. Los niños podrán acceder a citas a través de sus pediatras, farmacias y eventos del departamento de salud.

“Los padres pueden esperar algunas oportunidades de vacunación esta semana con más la próxima semana y la siguiente”, explica Amy Popovich, gerente de enfermería de los Distritos de Salud de Richmond y Henrico (RHHD). “Aunque existe cierta logística involucrada en la recepción de envíos de la vacuna de menor dosis, anticipamos que todos los niños aptos que quieran vacunarse podrán acceder a una cita este mes”.

A partir del jueves 4 de noviembre pueden estar disponibles citas de vacunación para niños en el Centro Comunitario de Vacunación (CVC) y en los centros de RHHD. Se espera que a partir de la próxima semana haya un mayor número de citas disponibles. Al principio, las clínicas requerirán que los niños tengan una cita. Las personas sin cita previa serán atendidas si hay suficientes suministros disponibles; de lo contrario, el personal les programará una cita para otra clínica.

Los niños deben estar acompañados por un adulto mayor de 18 años. A los adultos acompañantes que no sean el padre o tutor se les pedirá que confirmen verbalmente que tienen el permiso de los padres del niño para que éste reciba la vacuna contra el COVID-19.

Se anima a los padres a visitar vax.rchd.com, llamar al 804-205-3501 o consultar con su farmacia o pediatra para encontrar una cita para la vacuna contra el COVID-19 en su comunidad.

RHHD TO BEGIN ADMINISTERING PFIZER COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOTS

Posted on by amberpadilla

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021-  CDC and FDA recently announced that some individuals who received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine now qualify for booster shots based on their age, medical condition, or employment or residential setting. Following these new guidelines, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) will open booster appointments starting today. Qualified individuals can make an appointment anytime after six months following the date of their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. 

“We welcome individuals seeking boosters to make an appointment at one of our clinics,” explains Joanna Cirillo, Public Health Nurse Supervisor at RHHD. “We will also continue to ensure there are more than enough opportunities for individuals who haven’t received their first series to walk up to all our clinics… individuals who are not yet vaccinated are very vulnerable to severe COVID-19 outcomes.” 

Booster-eligible individuals include those who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago and fall into one of the following categories:

  • Individuals 65 years or older 
  • Individuals 18 years or older living in a long-term care setting
  • Individuals aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe COVID-19 
  • Individuals aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk for severe COVID-19 based on their individual benefits and risks
  • Individuals aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting based on their individual benefits and risks

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. If a person has questions about whether or not a booster is right for them based on their individual circumstances, they should consult their healthcare provider. 

RHHD offers boosters by appointment only, but other providers such as pharmacies may take walk-ins. Individuals seeking boosters who walk up to an RHHD event without an appointment will be scheduled for an appointment, but same day appointments are not guaranteed. RHHD requests individuals getting a booster shot bring their vaccination card; no other documentation to prove eligibility will be required. 

To find a booster shot, visit vax.rchd.com or call 804-205-3501.

 

About Richmond and Henrico Health Districts: RHHD 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.

 

RCHD Website  |  HCHD Website  |   RCHD Facebook  |  HCHD Facebook  |  RCHD Instagram  |  RCHD Twitter  

 

###

 

Get ready for a Summer of Vax!

Posted on by amberpadilla

If you feel like you’re ready for the wildest summer of your life after a long year at home, we’re with you. Luckily for us, the COVID-19 vaccine has made it possible for fully vaccinated people to get out and live their lives in a way that just wasn’t possible in 2020. The COVID-19 vaccine protects you from infection and slows community spread, but your next couple of months also won’t sizzle as much without it. Being sick with COVID-19 is a rough way to spend a summer, and telling your vaccinated friends that you haven’t gotten jabbed yet may create tension your summer just doesn’t need.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts have you covered if you still need to get the vaccine before things really start heating up. On June 3, we are launching Summer of Vax, a campaign to make getting the COVID vaccine as easy as ordering a beer or deciding on an ice cream flavor. Now you can experience way more freedom while also keeping grandma safe!

Here’s how you can get vaccinated over the next few months:

Our Cool Cube Crews will be bringing the vaccine to a brewery, block party, or community meeting near you.

Your friends may have gotten the vaccine at the Raceway or a pharmacy, but YOU can get it from a super fun nurse wearing a futuristic backpack cooler full of vaccine doses! Throughout the summer, RHHD will send out Cool Cube Crews to locations across Richmond and Henrico to offer the vaccine on the spot at businesses, churches, events, community meetings, etc. Our outreach team is working closely with community partners to find the best locations for our Cool Cube Crews to post up, and we’ll share the locations on our website soon. There may even be free ice cream, beer, or other summertime treats for people who get vaccinated at certain Cool Cube Crew events, so keep a lookout on our website or social media for updates!

If you are interested in having a Cool Cube Crew come to your business or hangout spot this summer, fill out a request form here. We also offer educational town halls and community canvassing to help share information about the vaccine and how to get it, so feel free to request info about those as well.

Walkup vaccination events will continue all summer!

We’ll hold popup vaccination events in neighborhoods across Richmond and Henrico, but you can count on weekly walkup events in two places:

  • George Wythe High School; 4314 Crutchfield Street, Richmond; Wednesday, 3-6 pm
  • Henrico West Clinic; 8600 Dixon Powers Drive, Richmond; Friday, 10 am-2 pm

Check out a complete list of walkup events here. 

The Raceway is just for fast cars and concerts again.

We held our last mass vaccination event at the Richmond Raceway on May 27. Moving forward, we will focus on smaller walkup and mobile events to better connect with people who still need the vaccine.

Pharmacies and clinics across our region have doses available.

The vaccine is also available at pharmacies and clinics in neighborhoods across Richmond and Henrico – you can find a location near you at vaccines.gov.

 

If you have questions about the vaccine or need help getting to a vaccination event, call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 Hotline at (804) 205-3501.

RHHD OFFERS WALK UP COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENTS AT VUU

Posted on by amberpadilla

MAY 6, 2021
Cat Long
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov
804-363-0933

 

RHHD OFFERS WALK UP COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENTS AT VUU

 

RICHMOND, VA - Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) have partnered with Virginia Union University (VUU) to offer walk-up Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination opportunities on Fridays over the next few weeks. Pre-registration or scheduling an appointment in advance is not required.

Adults and children 16 years and older who are accompanied by a guardian can attend one of the following vaccination events. All events will be held from 11:00am-3:00pm.

  • 1st dose on May 7th, 2nd dose on May 28th

  • 1st dose on May 14th, 2nd dose on June 4th

  • 1st dose on May 28th, 2nd dose on June 11th

“We are continuing to open up easier and more accessible vaccination opportunities in all of our communities,” explains Amy Popovich, Nurse Manager at RHHD. “We encourage anyone interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccine to come out to an event!”

To learn about other COVID-19 vaccination opportunities in the Richmond and Henrico area, visit vax.rchd.com or call 804-205-3501.

About Richmond and Henrico Health Districts: RHHD 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.

 

RCHD Website  |  HCHD Website  |   RCHD Facebook  |  HCHD Facebook  |  RCHD Instagram  |  RCHD Twitter

 

###

Cómo programar una cita para la vacuna de COVID-19 durante la Fase 2

Posted on by amberpadilla

30 de abril de 2021- Las vacunas de COVID-19 se ofrecen en más lugares ahora que el suministro está aumentando y la elegibilidad ahora incluye a todas las personas de 16 años en adelante. Ya no tiene que esperar a ser llamado por una lista de preinscripción ya que ahora puede programar una cita en línea o por teléfono.

Estos consejos pueden ayudarle a programar una cita para la vacuna, pero también podemos comunicarnos con usted si se registró previamente a través de su proveedor de atención médica, farmacia local, una comunidad religiosa u organización comunitaria con una oportunidad de vacunación. Recomendamos buscar la vacuna utilizando el método que sea mejor para usted y aprovechar la primera oportunidad que tenga para vacunarse.

Programe una cita en línea

Puede programar una cita para vacunación de COVID-19 en línea de dos maneras:

  1. Visite vax.rchd.com para programar una cita en un evento local de vacunas, o
  2. Visite vacunafinder.org para buscar la mayoría de los lugares que ofrecen la vacuna en su área. Primero, buscar por su código postal y elegir la distancia que está dispuesto a viajar (las opciones van de 1 milla a 50 millas). Luego, le mostrará un mapa de todas las ubicaciones que tienen la vacuna de COVID-19 disponible. Al hacer clic en una ubicación, lo lleva al sitio web de esa farmacia o proveedor, donde puede solicitarle que acceda a una herramienta de elegibilidad, elija en qué estado se encuentra y proporcione otros datos demográficos antes de mostrarle las citas abiertas.

Las citas se agregan a ambos sitios web con frecuencia, así que vuelva a consultar más tarde si no encuentra una cita de inmediato.

Ideal para: alguien que quiera programar su propia cita directamente en línea y no le importe pasar algún tiempo en diferentes sitios web antes de programar una cita. Desafortunadamente, los sistemas de registro solo están disponibles en inglés. Si necesita ayuda en otro idioma, programe su cita por teléfono.

Programe una cita por teléfono

Todas las personas de 16 años en adelante pueden programar una cita por teléfono. Llámenos al (804) 205-3501, de lunes a viernes de 8 a.m. a  5 p.m., para programar una cita por teléfono.

Ideal para: cualquier persona que desee una cita y que prefiere esperar en el teléfono en lugar de pasar tiempo en varios sitios web.

 

Acércate a un evento

Puede llegar los miércoles sin cita previa hasta el George Wythe High School de 11 a.m. a 4 p.m. Todos los eventos sin cita previa ofrecerán la vacuna Johnson & Johnson, que está autorizada para personas de 18 años en adelante. Anticipamos tener suficiente vacuna disponible para vacunar a todos los que se acerquen, pero si se nos acaban, programaremos una cita para usted en el lugar.

Mejor para: Cualquiera que quiera presentarse para recibir la vacuna sin planificación previa y no le importe regresar un día diferente si las citas ya están llenas.

How To Schedule A COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment In Phase 2

Posted on by amberpadilla

 

MAY 13, 2021 UPDATE: Please refer to the How Do I Get The Vaccine? web page for the most current information.

COVID-19 vaccines are offered in more places now that supply is increasing and eligibility now includes everyone ages 12 and up. There are several options available for you to get an appointment scheduled! All of these options—and any future vaccine scheduling opportunities—can be found at vax.rchd.com.

Pre-register for an appointment with RHHD

Pre-register in advance at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (1-877-829-4682) to be notified when there is an appointment available to you. When you visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA, you will go through a quick and easy series of demographic questions. You will not get an appointment immediately, but you will be placed on a list to be contacted when there is an appointment available for you at one of our vaccination events.

Best for: Someone who wants to talk to a person on the phone, doesn’t want to spend a lot of time searching on the internet, and regularly answers their phone or checks their email.

Vaccines.gov

Vaccines.gov allows you to look up most of the places that offer vaccines in your area. First, you search by your zip code and choose the distance you’re willing to travel (options range from 1 mile to 50 miles). Then, it will show you a map of all the locations that have COVID-19 vaccines in stock. Clicking on a location takes you to that pharmacy or provider’s website where it may ask you to go through an eligibility tool, choose which state you’re in, and provide some other demographic data before showing you open appointments. Locations that have vaccines in stock may not have open appointments, and you may want to check back frequently to find available appointments.

RHHD’s main offices will be listed on the map, although vaccines are not distributed out of those locations. When you select one of RHHD’s locations, you will be redirected to schedule an appointment.

Best for: Someone who wants to schedule their own appointment directly online and doesn’t mind spending some time on different websites before scheduling an appointment.

By phone

In Richmond and Henrico, adults ages 65+ and individuals who qualify as Phase 1a, 1b, or 1c can schedule an appointment over the phone. Call us at (804) 205-3501, Monday through Friday 8 am-5 pm, to schedule an appointment on the phone.

Best for: Anyone who is 65+ years old or in Phase 1a, 1b, or 1c who has been waiting for an appointment and hasn’t received one yet.

These tips can help you search for a vaccine, but you may also be contacted by your healthcare provider, local pharmacy, a faith community, or community organization with a vaccine opportunity. We recommend seeking a vaccine using whichever method is best for you and taking the first opportunity you have to get vaccinated!

How to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in Phase 2

Posted on by amberpadilla

April 30, 2021- COVID-19 vaccines are offered in more places now that supply is increasing and eligibility now includes everyone ages 16 and up. You no longer have to wait to be called off a pre-registration list and can now schedule an appointment online, over the phone, or walk in without an appointment at select locations.

These tips can help you schedule an appointment for a vaccine, but you may also be contacted by us if you pre-registered or by your healthcare provider, local pharmacy, a faith community, or community organization with a vaccine opportunity. We recommend seeking a vaccine using whichever method is best for you and taking the first opportunity you have to get vaccinated!

Schedule an appointment online

You can schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online in two ways:

  1. Visit vax.rchd.com to schedule an appointment at a local vaccine event, or
  2. Visit vaccinefinder.org to look up most of the places that offer vaccines in your area. First, you search by your zip code and choose the distance you’re willing to travel (options range from 1 mile to 50 miles). Then, it will show you a map of all the locations that have COVID-19 vaccines in stock. Clicking on a location takes you to that pharmacy or provider’s website where it may ask you to go through an eligibility tool, choose which state you’re in, and provide some other demographic data before showing you open appointments.

Appointments are added to both of these sites frequently, so check back later if you don’t find an appointment right away.

Best for: Someone who wants to schedule their own appointment directly online and doesn’t mind spending some time on different websites before scheduling an appointment. Unfortunately, the registration systems are only available in English. If you would need assistance in another language, please schedule your appointment by phone.

Schedule an appointment by phone

Everyone ages 16+ can schedule an appointment over the phone. Call us at (804) 205-3501, Monday through Friday 8am-5pm, to schedule an appointment over the phone.

Best for: Anyone who wants an appointment and would prefer to wait on the phone instead of spending time on multiple websites.

Walk up at an event

You can walk up on Wednesdays at George Wythe High School from 11 am to 4 pm. All walk-up events will offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is authorized for individuals age 18 and older. We anticipate having enough vaccine available to vaccinate everyone who walks up, but if we run out we will schedule an appointment for you on-site.

Best for: Anyone who wants to show up for a vaccine without prior planning and doesn’t mind coming out on a different day if the appointments are already filled.