The Peninsula Health District will begin closed “points of dispensing” COVID-19 vaccination clinics for “Phase 1b” priority groups starting Friday, according to a news release from the Virginia Department of Health.
“Our focus will be front line workers, those living in congregate settings and people 75 years of age and over,” according to the statement.
Identification in the form of a driver’s license or similar and a work ID if applicable are required to verify eligibility.
Additional sectors of Phase 1b will be added as more vaccine becomes available and the department expands the vaccinator pool, according to the PHD.
“Thanks to the help of our local health systems, we are able to begin providing vaccine to the 1b priority groups while continuing to vaccinate 1a health care providers,” PHD Director Dr. Natasha Dwamena said in a prepared statement. “Vaccine supply remains limited. So we are starting with the people most at risk for infection and death.”
The PHD added that planning teams are reaching out to employers, who qualify for priority Phase 1b vaccinations, and plans to implement an automated scheduling system.
Until that has been done, priority Phase 1b individuals are asked to go to VDH Pennisula Health District website or to call and leave their name at 757-594-7496.
Distribution and vaccination clinics are by appointment only. Those eligible people will be called in the order in which their call was received.
As availability of the vaccine increases, Virginia will move to the other phases, VDH said.
Phase 1c will include additional essential workers and those 16 and older with underlying medical conditions. The complete definitions of all phases, data and other information, are available on VDH’s Vaccine Response website.
Those who do not fall into priority phases will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine when it is more widely available. VDH expects that once the vaccine is available to the general public, it will be distributed similarly to the flu vaccine at local pharmacies, primary care physicians, Federally Qualified Health Center free clinics, local health departments and other clinics participating as a COVID-19 Vaccination Program Providers.
You can take a survey to see what vaccination phase you fall under here.
VDH stresses it is important to remain vigilant in COVID-19 prevention by covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, maintaining social distancing and avoid gatherings with anyone who is not a member of your household.
VDH also urges residents to get a flu shot.
More information about the vaccine, safety concerns and answers to frequently asked questions are available at both VDH’s and CDC’s websites.
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