October 31, 2021

Neighbors, 

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! Election Day is in two days! Have you made a plan to vote? Included in this newsletter is information about:

  • Election Day is Tuesday!

  • COVID-19 Vaccines Updates

    • Virginia Ranks Tenth In The Nation For The Number Of People Vaccinated Against COVID-19

    • Expanded Boosters

    • Expanded Boosters for Mental Health Conditions

  • Metro Delays

As always, let me know if you have questions or need assistance by calling my office at (804) 698-1042 or emailing me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov. 

Best, Kathy

Kathy KL Tran

Delegate, 42nd District 

Election Day is Tuesday!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2. I encourage everyone to get out and vote. If you have not made a plan yet, make one now! 

Polls are open from 6am to 7pm. Make sure you:

✓ know your polling location​

✓ bring an ID

✓ bring your mask

✓ follow social distance requirements

Not sure where you vote? Go to https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup/  to find your polling location!

And make sure you have an accepted ID. For more information see: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/media/formswarehouse/voter-id/outreach-materials/documents/Voter-Identification-Chart-Rev-4-28-21.pdf 

All polling locations in Fairfax County are wheelchair accessible. However if you’re over 65 or have a physical disability, you can curbside vote. You can find additional resources for people with disabilities on Fairfax County’s website.

If you are turned away at the poll, call the Voter Protection Hotline at 844-4VA-VOTE (844-482-8683) or ask a poll observer for help! It’s free and they’ll help you cast your ballot.

COVID-19 Vaccines Updates

Virginia Ranks Tenth In The Nation For The Number Of People Vaccinated Against COVID-19

According to The New York Times, Virginia ranks tenth in the nation for people vaccinated against COVID-19. Over 82 percent of adult Virginians have received at least one dose.

If you have not received your vaccine yet, help us get to first place and protect your friends and neighbors! You can find where to get your vaccine here: https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/ 

More Booster Shots Available

The FDA has authorized and the CDC recommends new booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC:

“For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

For the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.”

The CDC also has new booster recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine:

“Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.”

Need to find a place to get a booster, visit: https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/.

Expanded Boosters for Mental Health Conditions

The CDC added certain mental health conditions to the list of eligible conditions to get the COVID booster. According to the CDC, “Having mood disorders, including depression, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders can make you more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.”

Metro Delays

After a 7000-series train derailed on October 12, WMATA pulled its 7000-series trains from service and brought back their old railcars. However, testing the new railcars has caused delays in Metro service. 

The investigation of the 7000-series trains will continue until November 15. Metro service will continue to be delayed until the investigation is completed. I encourage you to plan for delays. You can find more information and updates on WMATA’s website.