Vaccinations move into new phase locally

The two public health districts serving the coalfield region have moved into phase 1c of COVID-19 vaccinations.

The change took effect March 29, according to a press release.

To ensure that Phase 1c essential workers are contacted quickly for appointments, eligible individuals are asked to pre-register on the vaccinate.virginia.gov/ waitlist at their earliest opportunity.

The following are considered Phase 1c essential worker categories: Energy; water, wastewater and waste removal (includes recycling removal); housing and construction; food service; transportation and logistics; institutions of higher education faculty/staff; finance; information technology and communication; media; legal services; public safety (engineers); other public health workers.

“Phase 1c essential workers should make sure to select the appropriate essential worker category when signing up online so they are contacted for an appointment,” said Dr. Karen Shelton, health director. “We will continue to offer appointments to eligible individuals in Phase 1a and Phase 1b who have not yet been vaccinated.”

To pre-register, or update your registration, please visit vaccinate.virginia.gov/ or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (1-877/829-4682) for assistance with pre-registration.

Anyone who is 65 years and older, who pre-registered prior to March 1 and still needs an appointment, is encouraged to email prepmodsupport@vdh.virginia.gov, or contact a community vaccine partner provider directly for an appointment. A list of community partner providers can be found on the districts’ website pages and social media sites.

Those with specific medical concerns or conditions should discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with their provider.

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 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 non-COVID 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. For details on COVID-19 vaccination in Cumberland Plateau Health District, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/cumberlandplateau/. For details on COVID-19 vaccination in LENOWISCO Health District, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/lenowisco/.