(WDBJ) – More people in our hometowns will soon be allowed to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Starting Monday, a handful of health districts will begin Phase 1B vaccinations. This group includes essential workers, such as teachers, workers in grocery stores and others, and people aged 75 and over.
Health districts such as the New River and Roanoke & Alleghany Health District will switch to Phase 1B within days. If you want to get vaccinated, you have to register in advance and make an appointment in advance.
‘This is truly the potential turning point in this terrible pandemic. . . It’s so exciting to know that we finally have a tool that can make a difference, ‘said Cynthia Morrow, district health director for Roanoke City and Alleghany health districts.
On Monday, COVID-19 vaccines will be given to many in the NRV and Roanoke and Alleghany districts.
‘There are literally hundreds of thousands of people in the Phase 1B category in Virginia. It’s going to take us time to go through phase 1B, it’s going to take us weeks, not even a month, and that’s why we really need people to understand that we need patience, and we need our flexibility, said Morrow.
For essential workers included in Phase 1B of the vaccine deployment plan, the next question is how to get the vaccine. Health officials say you can get the vaccine through your workplace clinic or home clinic. But to make this happen, you need to register in advance and make an appointment through your clinics.
If you identify as Phase 1B and work for a small or independent business, are 75 years of age or older or are not affiliated with a workplace or clinic, you can pre-register through the Health District websites.
“It’s critical that people register in advance, and also that all clinics are closed clinics, which means they are not available for boarding,” Morrow said.
Once you pre-register, the Virginia Department of Health will contact you to make an appointment with a local health department, pharmacy or healthcare provider.
Within Phase 1B, there are priorities, and law enforcement and first responders are at the top of the list. Health officials say pre-registration does not guarantee you will get an appointment: “It is our responsibility to try to make sure we distribute the vaccine according to the priority strategies,” Morrow said.
11 other health districts in Virginia, including the Mount Rogers Health District, will also begin their Phase 1B rollout plan next week.
Health officials say if you are in Phase 1C or the general public, you should not pre-register. Phase 1C will include other essential workers and people aged 65 to 74 years. It also includes those who have a high risk medical condition or disability.
You can visit the VDH website for more information on which vaccine phase you have included and when you can get the vaccine.
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