Vaccine options continue to grow across region

The regional health districts for Southwest Virginia moved into phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccination Wednesday.
“The transition to Phase 2 means that all residents of far Southwest Virginia age 16 and older are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Karen Shelton, health director. “We are overjoyed to make this transition and be able to vaccinate all of our adult population. Vaccination is our best way out of this pandemic and back toward normal life.

“It is important to note that Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for 16- and 17-year olds,” continued Shelton. “Parents of 16- and 17-year olds should check with the vaccine provider in order to ensure they register in an appropriate clinic. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are both approved for those 18 and older.”

To find vaccine appointments, visit https://vaccinefinder.org/ or go to the Lenowisco Health District website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/lenowisco/vaccine/.

Those who are in isolation or quarantine for COVID-19 or who have another illness with a fever are not eligible for a vaccine until these conditions are resolved. Those who have had COVID-19 and received monoclonal antibodies or plasma treatment are not eligible to receive a vaccine until 90 days after treatment. Those who have had a vaccine within the last 14 days should wait to schedule their COVID-19 vaccine until 14 days have elapsed since their other vaccination.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19- vaccine.

J&J VACCINE CLINIC

The Lenowisco Health District will hold a Johnson & Johnson vaccination clinic on Saturday, April 10.

This is an appointment-only event. Appointments will be offered, via phone and email, to those who are on the state pre-registration list. Eligible individuals are all those age 65 and older, ages 16 to 64 with underlying medical conditions and frontline essential workers in Group 1a, 1b, and 1c.

“The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a one-dose vaccine,” said Shelton. “We know that there are individuals who are interested in the one-dose vaccine, and those individuals should pre-register on the state waitlist.”

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved for those age 18 and older. Anyone with specific medical concerns or questions should consult their health care provider about the COVID-19 vaccine.

To pre-register for COVID-19 vaccine at this and future events within the Lenowisco Health District, visit www.vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (1-877/829-4682). For other questions regarding COVID-19 vaccine, contact the Virginia COVID Information Center at 1-877-VAX-INVA (1-877/829-4682).