NEWSLETTER
January 12, 2021
Neighbors,
Below, please find updates regarding:
Information from the Virginia Department of Health about Virginia’s COVID-19 vaccination plan
Updates about Phase 1b of vaccination opportunities in Fairfax County
Reminder about my upcoming town hall
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance. You can reach me by email at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov or call my office at 804-698-1042.
Best, Kathy
Delegate, 42nd District
COVID-19 VACCINE
Information from the Virginia Department of Health
I’ve received questions from constituents regarding Virginia’s COVID-19 vaccination plan, and I have shared these questions and concerns with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Below are VDH’s responses to some general questions that may also be of interest to you.
Q. How many Virginians are eligible for each Phase of the vaccination rollout?
A. Phase 1a: Approximately 500,000
Phase 1b: Approximately 1.2 million
Phase 1c: Approximately 2.4 million
Q. Why is Virginia not distributing vaccines as fast as other states? Some reports say it will take up to 10 years to get back to normal, at the pace we’re going.
A. “As of 1/11/2021, nearly 175,000 people have received one dose. We have distributed roughly 560,000 doses throughout Virginia with over 10% of that vaccine arriving this week. There may be a lag in the numbers shown on the dashboard and the actual number of those vaccinated because we have to wait for providers to enter information into the VIIS system (Virginia Immunization Information System). That will become more efficient over time. Dealing with new systems and operations at this scale, it is to be expected to go slower than we'd like it to be in the beginning. We’re pleased with the progress but acknowledge we need to continue being as efficient as possible. Local Health Departments continue to ramp up vaccination clinics and 11 began the transition to Phase 1b today.”
Q. What factors is VDH considering when determining how many vaccines to allocate to localities each week?
A. “VDH is taking into account a number of factors when determining which providers to allocate COVID-19 vaccine to each week. These include but are not limited to doses distributed, doses administered, population size, population of priority groups, and provider throughput. VDH is doing it's best to ensure that vaccine is distributed equitably and also that vaccine is getting into the arms of Virginians as quickly as possible.”
Q. There are reports of workers who do not directly work with patients and work in more administrative roles receiving the vaccine, in Phase 1a. What is VDH doing to ensure the plan is being followed?
A. “Virginia has prioritized health care personnel and long-term care facility residents and staff to receive initial COVID-19 vaccine doses. VDH aims to ensure the COVID-19 vaccine is distributed equitably and to those who need it most. We acknowledge that when the vaccine is provided to facilities across the Commonwealth, VDH cannot maintain full control over how the doses are distributed. VDH continues to encourage our health care partners to follow Virginia's recommended COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization Guidance. Additionally, we request health care partners balance following these guidance while also preventing wastage of vaccine. It is better that vaccines be administered to someone not eligible than for it to be wasted.”
Q. What should I do after I receive the vaccine?
A. “Register for V-Safe: V-safe is a new CDC smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe uses text messaging and web surveys from CDC to check in with vaccine recipients following COVID-19 vaccination. V-safe also provides second vaccine dose reminders if needed, and
telephone follow up to anyone who reports medically significant (important) adverse events. Healthcare providers have a vital role in encouraging COVID-19 vaccine recipients to participate by providing the V-safe information sheet at the time of vaccination.
Contact your provider if you have any questions or concerns.
While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide, it will be very important for everyone to continue taking steps to protect yourself and others, such as covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least six feet away from others not in your household.
You can learn more about what do consider after vaccination on the VDH website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/vaccination/.”
Updates about Phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccination opportunities in Fairfax County
Fairfax County began administering COVID-19 vaccines to people eligible under Phase 1b on January 11. Many have called the phone number listed in the Fairfax County website, which at some points during thenfirst day, averaged over 1,000 calls per minute. The County is improving its registration system and has also set up an online COVID-19 Vaccinate Registration page for you to access if you are in a group eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. You can find the online form here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus/vaccine/registration
Virtual Transportation Town Hall
Saturday, January 16 at 10am
Please register to receive the participation link at : https://forms.gle/k7KokHyr6WPEXEx78
Join me for a virtual town hall with the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Fairfax Department of Transportation. We will discuss winter weather preparation, the upcoming 2021 repaving schedule, and infrastructure projects in the 42nd District and our region.