New River Valley Public Health Task Force update on vaccines

Here’s the latest on vaccine status in the New River Valley.

We continue to vaccinate people in Phase 1a and 1b. We get about 2,000 1st dose vaccines each week, so it looks like completing these phases will take a number of weeks and possibly continue through March. We are following the priority groups established by the state within Phase 1b and ask everyone to celebrate every vaccine, even if it’s not in our own arms. Every vaccine is a step toward protection for all Virginians and one less person in line.

Pre-registration system
This week, Virginia opened a pre-registration system for everybody in the state. If you have already pre-registered with the New River Health District, you do not need to do so again. Going forward, every individual in Virginia will pre-register for the vaccine through the same system and be able to confirm that they are indeed pre-registered. This is explained on our website, NRVroadtowellness.com.

Part of this process involves pulling all of the data from local lists into one central list. We have heard some people who pre-registered through our local link saying they don’t show up in the statewide system yet. We would suggest you wait and check back again in a few days because the data migration will take some time.

For those who do not want to or cannot pre-register online, you can now call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA. TTY service is available by calling 7-1-1.

Businesses
Businesses in Phase 1b should still pre-register on the NRVroadtowellness.com website, as we schedule those vaccinations through the employer.

Individuals who are eligible for Phase 1b based on their occupation should contact their employer for instructions. Occupational vaccinations are scheduled as a block through the employers.

Winter weather
We are expecting a winter storm tonight and tomorrow. All appointments for tomorrow will be honored Friday or next week. If we have to adjust Friday’s schedule we will send messages to all 1st dose appointment holders about coming next week.

As always, visit our website at NRVroadtowellness.com for updated information.

Please stay safe.

The New River Valley Public Health Task Force