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Dear UVA Health Colleagues,

We have important news about COVID-19 vaccinations in our community. In support of the Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD), UVA Health has begun offering COVID-19 vaccine to a list of area residents who are age 75 and older. Individuals on the list — which was compiled by BRHD — have received instructions for scheduling their vaccinations at UVA Health. (See invitation details below.)

Vaccine Roll-Out is Progressing 

Until now, UVA Health has only been authorized to offer vaccine to our own workforce, which has been designated as Phase 1a (top priority) by the VDH. Phase 1a includes healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. Vaccinating individuals who are age 75 and older represents a transition to the next phase of public health prioritization, 1b.

• About Phase 1b: A list of all who are included in Phase 1b can be found here. UVA Health has only been authorized to provide vaccine to individuals on the list provided by BRHD. This list was compiled before Phase 1b criteria was expanded on January 14 to include those age 65 and up.
• Scheduling Ineligibility: Only those who receive a scheduling email directly from UVA Health are eligible to be vaccinated at this time. You will be turned away from the vaccine clinic if you are not eligible for vaccination during this phase.

Community Scheduling Process

The Blue Ridge Health District has asked UVA Health to vaccinate a list of approximately 5,500 area residents age 75 and older who completed an online survey indicating their interest in being vaccinated. UVA Health has sent messages to those individuals with instructions for scheduling their first dose appointment online or by calling the BRHD hotline for assistance. Second dose appointments — which are needed to gain the full benefit of vaccination — are being scheduled during the first dose visit. 

How to Handle Patient Inquiries

In opening up our vaccination clinic to the community, UVA Health continues to follow the directives and support the priorities of the Virginia Department of Health. Currently, the VDH is allocating vaccine supplies to groups that are at highest risk of experiencing severe or fatal cases of COVID-19. Find VDH allocation information here.

• Direct Inquiries to the Blue Ridge Health District: Please instruct all patients and community members who are interested in being vaccinated to contact BRHD in one of the following ways:  
• Call the COVID hotline (434-972-6261, open M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)  
• Email BRhealthdistrict@gmail.com
• Visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/blue-ridge/covid-19-vaccination/

Reminders to UVA Health Employees

Opening up the vaccination process to more people will change how vaccination supplies are allocated. Future vaccine shipments may not be allocated to our workforce. 

• Book Vaccination Appointments Now: We are encouraging all who work at UVA Health and have not yet booked a vaccination appointment to schedule one now. If you delay your vaccination, we cannot guarantee that we can offer you an appointment in the future. Schedule a vaccination appointment by clicking here.
• Get Answers to Questions/Concerns: Team members who are hesitant to schedule an appointment because of concerns or doubts about the COVID-19 vaccine, are asked to send questions to covidvax@virginia.edu. 

We anticipate that the status of vaccination programs and supplies will change rapidly in the weeks ahead and will keep you informed about all major developments.

Sincerely,

Hospital Epidemiology