Reminder:  Schedule Vaccination Appointment by Clicking Date & Location

May 16th: Middlesex Health Department - 2780 General Puller Hwy  Saluda, VA 23149   9am-12pm Moderna ages 18+ and Pfizer ages 5+ 

May 18^th: SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENT! Macedonia Baptist Church -10246 Northumberland Hwy, Heathsville, VA 22473   2:30pm-6:30pm  Moderna ages 18+ and Pfizer ages 5+ 

May 19^th: Westmoreland Health Department - 18849 Kings Hwy Montross, VA 22520  10am-12pm  Moderna ages 18+ and Pfizer ages 5+ 

May 21: SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENT!!! Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 6470 Main St, Gloucester, VA 23061, 10am-3pm Moderna ages 18+ and Pfizer ages 5+

May 24^th: King & Queen Health Department - 167 Courthouse Landing Rd King & Queen Courthouse, VA 23085 10am-12pm  Moderna ages 18+ and Pfizer ages 5+ 

May 24^th: Upper King William Active Lifestyle Center - 8306 King William Road  Aylett, VA 23009  2:30pm-6:30pm  Moderna ages 18+ and Pfizer ages 5+ 

May 26^th: Mathews Health Department - 536 Church St, Mathews, Virginia 23109  10am-12pm  Moderna ages 18+ and Pfizer ages 5+ 

May 31^st: Essex Health Department - 423 N Church Lane Tappahannock, VA 22550  10am-12pm Moderna ages 18+ and Pfizer ages 5+ 

Reminder:  Testing appointments must be made by calling 804-815-4191

Wednesday, April 13th: Middlesex County Health Department – 8:30am- 12pm -- By appointment only (Rapid or PCR) Call 804-815-4191

Wednesday, April 20th: Middlesex County Health Department – 8:30am- 12pm -- By appointment only (Rapid or PCR) Call 804-815-4191

Wednesday, April 27th: Middlesex County Health Department – 3:00pm -6:00pm By appointment only (Rapid or PCR) Call 804-815-4191

Wednesday, May 11th: Middlesex County Health Department – 8:30am-12pm -- By appointment only (Rapid or PCR) Call 804-815-4191

Wednesday, May 25th: Middlesex County Health Department – 8:30am-12pm -- By appointment only (Rapid or PCR) Call 804-815-4191 

Vaccine Search & Scheduling Engine

Virginia COVID-19 Testing Sites

Virginia COVID-19 Treatment Locator

Vaccination remains our most powerful tool to limit COVID-19 infection and severe disease.   Please visit http://vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA to find COVID-19 vaccination opportunities near you.  Appointment opportunities in Three Rivers Health District vaccination clinics are available at the Three Rivers Health District Website under “Three Rivers Health District Vaccination Events”:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/three-rivers/y.  Appointments are also available by calling (804) 815-4191.

Pandemic Status:  COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing but are still at low levels across the Commonwealth

• The new case rate in the US has continued to increase over the last week; it is currently about 70,410 cases/day 7 day average.
• Virginia cases have increased slightly also since last week; as of May 6^th we had about 2000 cases/day 7 day average.
• Three Rivers case numbers are stable, currently averaging just under 20 cases/day in the district.
• By CDC criteria, and according to the latest available data, all Three Rivers jurisdictions remain in LOW COVID-19 community levels except Mathews County, which is MEDIUM. The CDC County COVID-19 Level map and County Check tool may be found here:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html
• The 7 day average number of people hospitalized in Virginia with COVID 19 has again increased; it is currently about 227.
• About 73.4% of the total population in Virginia is fully vaccinated at this time.

• • • A sub-lineage of the BA.2 variant, BA.2.12.1, continues to gain ground across the Northeast United States and in our region. The BA.2.12.1 currently comprises 41% of cases in the region where Virginia is located.  2 is still dominant, at about 58%.  Disease remains mild for most people who become infected with COVID, but hospitalization rates are slowly increasing, especially among people over 55.  Individuals who are elderly or immunocompromised, and most at risk from serious COVID-19 disease, should remain especially aware of COVID-19 Community Levels and protect themselves from exposure.
    • Public health authorities are warning of a potential large fall and winter COVID-19 surge, fueled by new variants which can evade immunity and waning immunity in the population. We will remain vigilant and ready to respond as appropriate.
    • The Food and Drug Administration has limited the authorized use of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older for whom other authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines are not accessible or clinically appropriate, and to individuals 18 years of age and older who elect to receive the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, refusing other available COVID-19 vaccines. The FDA has determined that the risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), a syndrome of rare and potentially life-threatening blood clots in combination with low levels of blood platelets with onset of symptoms approximately one to two weeks following administration of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, warrants limiting the authorized use of the vaccine.
    • Vaccination remains our most powerful tool to limit COVID-19 infection and severe disease. Please visit http://vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA to find COVID-19 vaccination opportunities near you.  Appointment opportunities in Three Rivers Health District vaccination clinics are available at the Three Rivers Health District Website under “Three Rivers Health District Vaccination Events”:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/three-rivers/y.

    Appointments are also available by calling (804) 815-4191.

For more detailed information on viral therapeutics, vaccine schedules, protective measures, pandemic containment, and testing, with links to reference material, please visit the Three Rivers Health District website at:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/three-rivers/

• The CDC has shortened the recommended time for isolation from 10 days to 5 days for people with COVID-19, if asymptomatic or symptoms are resolving, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others. CDC is also updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to someone with COVID-19 to 5 days of quarantine followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others.  The CDC recommendations on insolation and quarantine can be viewed here:  https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html

• Both vaccination and COVID-19 infection provide strong protection from serious COVID-19 disease; protection becomes less effective at about the 4-6 month interval due to waning immunity and variant evasion. Booster doses successfully restore immunity levels that are “highly effective at preventing COVID-19–associated emergency department and urgent care encounters”.  The relevant CDC Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report can be viewed here:  https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7104e3.htm?s_cid=mm7104e3_w
• The BA.2 COVID-19 variant is present worldwide. The BA.2 variant is genetically similar to the currently dominant Omicron BA.1 variant, but it contains many spike protein mutations that are different.  The BA.2 variant is more contagious than the BA.1 variant.  2 does have immune evasion capability, but it appears that our current vaccines and prior infection are effective in preventing severe disease.  Data is emerging indicating the BA.2 variant can infect people previously infected with BA.1 Omicron variant.  Public health officials are watching the BA.2 variant carefully; impact on the Omicron surge decline is yet to be determined.
• Governor Youngkin is a strong advocate of COVID-19 vaccination. His COVID-19 Action Plan includes encouraging vaccinations and prioritizing testing guidelines to mitigate supply chain shortages. The plan may be viewed here:  https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/COVID-19-Action-Plan.pdf
• CDC updated its COVID-19 vaccination guidance with additional information to help vaccine providers determine the optimal interval between the first and second dose of an mRNA vaccine series, based on the individual patient.
  • New data indicate that some people ages 12 through 64 years (especially males ages 12 through 39 years) would benefit from getting their second mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose 8 weeks after receiving their first dose. Extending the time interval between primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses from the FDA-approved or authorized 3 weeks (Pfizer-BioNTech) or 4 weeks (Moderna) to 8 weeks may help increase how long protection lasts against COVID-19. It may also help lower the (small) risk of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (swelling of tissue around the heart), which has been associated (mostly among adolescent and young adult males) with mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
  • This update does not apply to everyone. Providers should continue to recommend the 3-week or 4-week interval for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, adults ages 65 years and older, and others who may need early protection due to concern about an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
• VDH recommends individuals who are 12 and older receive booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • For individuals aged 12 to 17 years old, a Pfizer booster dose is recommended 5 months following completion of a Pfizer primary series.
  • For individuals ages 18 years and older, any COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is recommended 5 months following completion of a Pfizer or Moderna primary series.
  • For individuals ages 18 years and older, any COVID-19 vaccine booster is recommended 2 months following completion of a primary J&J dose.
  • Eligible individuals 18 years and older may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose.
  • For booster vaccines, CDC has stated that use of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferable to Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Current CDC booster recommendations may be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html?s_cid=11706:mix%20and%20match%20vaccines:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY22
• CDC recommendations concerning COVID-19 vaccinations for moderately or severely immunocompromised people can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html?s_cid=11707:covid%20booster%20immunocompromised:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY22
• Pfizer-BioNTech has applied for FDA Emergency Use Authorization for its vaccine for children 6 months to 4 years of age. After an initial review of the clinical trials data, the FDA stated they would delay any authorization decisions until data on the effects of three doses are known.
• The FDA authorized bebtelovimab, a new monoclonal antibody therapy for emergency use in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of progression to severe disease. Bebtelovimab joins current effective COVID-19 therapies against Omicron, which include the monoclonal antibody treatment (Sotrovimab) and the antiviral agents Paxlovid, Molnupiravir, and Remdesivir.  Evusheld is a product designed to be administered to vulnerable individuals for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
• The VDH Treatment Locator Tool provides locations that may have COVID-19 treatments; please note not all sites will have appointment availability or treatments available. Provider prescription is required for monoclonal antibodies, pre-exposure prophylaxis (prevention), and oral antiviral pills. Many administration sites listed on the locator require a physician referral and an appointment.  The locator tool can be found here:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/mabs/covid-19-treatment-locator/
• The CDC published a study, “Effectiveness of Face Mask or Respirator Use in Indoor Public Settings for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infection – California, February – December 2021” on Friday, February 4. The study found that “Consistent use of a face mask or respirator in indoor public settings was associated with lower odds of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. Use of respirators with higher filtration capacity was associated with the most protection, compared with no mask use”.  People who wish to protect themselves and their families at the highest available level from COVID-19 while in public can do so by wearing a KN-95 or N-95 mask.  The revised CDC mask guidance may be found here:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html
• In addition to vaccination, the layering of other public health recommendations for slowing the spread of COVID-19 (e.g., masking, distancing, hand washing, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, getting testing and isolating at home as appropriate) remain important. Everyone should continue to keep up good prevention practices to protect themselves and others.
• Vaccines will remain readily available to all unvaccinated individuals and individuals eligible for boosters as our highest priority. We recommend COVID 19 vaccination for everyone eligible.

• The VDH is moving from fixed Community Testing Centers (CTC) in each of the localities where the CVCs are located to mobile testing units as demand falls. Virginians with questions about the testing may call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1).
• We are conducting COVID 19 testing in our local health departments in conjunction with our continued vaccination outreach. COVID-19 Rapid Testing and PCR Testing are available through the Three Rivers Health District COVID-19 Testing Team by appointment.  Please call your local health department or call 804-815-4191 to schedule an appointment for testing.
• Vendor provided testing events are being offered in schools as part of the VISSTA program, under the purview of the VDH Central Office.
• Americans are able to order at-home rapid COVID-19 tests online at COVIDTests.gov. Health insurers have begun covering COVID-19 tests as well.
• Our containment team continues priority case investigation and contact tracing in accordance with established VDH recommendations.

• The VDH published Interim Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Virginia PreK–12 Schools. The guidance may be found here:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/182/2021/03/Interim-Guidance-to-K-12-School-Reopening.pdf
• Effective February 25, 2022, CDC does not require wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs. The CDC order is still in place but CDC is exercising its enforcement discretion to not require that people wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs. The VDH is working with the DOE to ensure consistent guidance is in place.
• We will follow each school system closely and be ready to support them in any way we can as we progress through the season of highest respiratory disease transmission risk.

• The FDA fact sheets for recipients and caregivers for the Pfizer vaccine can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download
• The FDA fact sheet for recipients and caregivers for the Moderna vaccine can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/media/144638/download
• The FDA fact sheet for recipients and caregivers for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/media/146305/download
• The Virginia Department of Health is maintaining COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboards, which are available here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines-received/ and here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-summary/
• The VDH COVID 19 outbreak dashboard can be found here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-data-insights/
• The VDH COVID 19 Variants of Concern Dashboard can be accessed here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-data-insights/variants-of-concern/
• Links to useful information about COVID 19 myths and facts:
  1. American Academy of Family Physicians: https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/public_health/COVID19-Vaccine-Myths.pdf
  2. CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

• American Association of Medical Colleges: https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/transcript-vaccinevoices-covid-19-vaccine-myths-debunked