Newest COVID vaccine headed into Virginia

The third COVID-19 vaccine to get federal approval will be offered in Virginia starting this week, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

The single-dose vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson got federal approval Saturday, the health department explained in a press release.

Virginia was expected to get 69,000 doses this week which will be go to mass vaccination clinics. “An additional allotment is expected to be sent to pharmacies participating in a federal partnership to help vaccinate priority groups, such as those 65 and older, at no cost,” the health department stated.

In mid-February, Gov. Ralph Northam urged Virginians to pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccination online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA. Virginians who previously pre-registered through their local health department do not need to sign up again, Northam noted. The information for those who previously pre-registered is being moved to the new statewide pre-registration system.

For the latest vaccine information, visit vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine. For more information on COVID-19 in Virginia, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.