Expect big delays for COVID-19 shots

(Editor’s note: As of Monday afternoon, the Virginia Department of Public Health reported 411 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Middlesex County. There were 18 Middlesex patient COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 16 deaths involving Middlesex residents. The Virginia Department of Public Health cautions that because of limited testing, the actual number of cases in Middlesex County is likely much higher than reported.)

Case numbers across most states have dropped, but the new case count in the U.S. is still about 150,000 per day. Virginia is improving, new case rate is down to 4,600/day average.

The Three Rivers Health District, which includes Middlesex County, is at 65-70 new cases/day, which is a small improvement.

Our hospital systems remain fully capable and are not in danger of being overwhelmed.

Vaccinations: Expect major delays

This vaccination program will take many months, we expect it will be many weeks before everyone currently eligible and signed up can get an appointment.

Three Rivers Health District is in phase 1b. For details of vaccination phases, please visit the website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/#phase1b.

This vaccine is much more complex than any vaccine we have ever administered. It is fragile, there are CDC requirements that must be met, and there is a mandatory observation period after administration of at least 15 minutes to watch for severe allergic reactions. Current vaccines require two doses several weeks apart. This slows everything down.

There is a severe national vaccine shortage; we are getting only about 25% of the vaccine we are capable of administering every week.  This is the current major limiting factor. This is expected to last at least several weeks.

The Three Rivers Health District, the hospital systems, physician practices, pharmacies, and free clinics are engaged in the vaccination effort. Local EMS personnel are also engaged. When we get more vaccine, we will move faster.

Large vaccination events are planned at the state level when vaccine becomes available.

Unfortunately, it may be weeks or longer before vaccination appointments become available for those who have registered.

Available vaccine dosages will be allocated approximately equally between critical infrastructure workers (and people aged 16-64 with underlying medical conditions), and individuals who qualify on the basis of age.

Vaccination appointments

People eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in phase 1b seeking a vaccination appointment can contact their health care providers for initial consultation. 

Any eligible people who cannot receive vaccination through their health care system, or anyone with a COVID-19 related question, should call our COVID-19 resource center at 804-824-2733 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

Eligible individuals can also visit our Three Rivers Health District website to access an online survey to give us contact information and request an appointment at: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/three-rivers/.

Your name will be added to our lists and we will call you as soon as vaccine appointments become available…

Useful websites

The FDA fact sheets for recipients and caregivers for the Pfizer vaccine can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download. 

The FDA fact sheet for recipients and caregivers for the Moderna vaccine can be found here: https://www.fda.gov/media/144638/download. 

The Virginia Department of Health is maintaining a COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard, which is available here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines-received/ .

The VDH COVID-19 outbreak dashboard can be found here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-data-insights/. 

(Richard Williams is the director of Three Rivers Health District of the Virginia Department of Health. The district includes Middlesex County. Williams’ email address is richard.williams@vdh.virginia.gov.)