Gov. Northam Announces Virginia COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
Today, Gov. Ralph Northam hosted a press conference to announce Virginia's COVID-19 vaccination plan. The governor stressed the importance and safety of taking the vaccine, stating that when it is his turn, he and his family will take the vaccine, and he encourages all Virginians to do the same. According to Gov. Northam, "Taking the vaccine is the right thing to do to protect yourself and others. The path forward to recovery and a return to normal is the vaccine."
Understanding the Current State
In Virginia, the number of COVID cases is four times higher than previous infection rates. Doctors at the University of Virginia anticipate that cases will continue to rise until Valentine's Day on Feb. 14. In addition, there is a new strain of the COVID virus. Virginia does not have any cases yet, but it is likely only a matter of time. Therefore, everyone must remain vigilant and continue to use practices that have been in place to help fight COVID over the past 10 months—staying at home, wearing a mask, washing hands, and staying six feet apart.
The Vaccine
Twenty-two days ago, the world received the most powerful tool in the fight against the virus—the vaccine. What lies ahead is the most extensive vaccine campaign in history.
Eight point five million people live in Virginia. Each person requires two doses of the vaccine, so the Commonwealth needs 17 million total doses.
To date, Virginia has received approximately 110,000 doses per week, which equates to roughly 14,000 doses per day. The governor's short-term goal is to deliver 25,000 doses a day and ultimately reach 50,000 doses a day.
The Vaccine Delivery Plan
Virginia's vaccine delivery plan is transparent. The public will know details about the Commonwealth's vaccine supply and dosage delivery. There is a clear prioritization for the vaccine schedule, with those most at risk receiving the vaccine first.
Phase | Group | Number of Residents |
1a | Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, EMTs) and Long-term Care Facilities. | 500,000 |
1b | Essential Workers; teachers, firefighters, police, childcare workers; teachers; workers in manufacturing, food, grocery, and transit; postal workers; adults age 75+. | 1.2 million |
1c | Essential workers in construction, transportation, etc.; adults age 65+' people age 16 – 64 with high-risk medical conditions. | 2.5 million |
General population | | 4.3 million |
TOTAL | | 8.5 million |
When it is time for the general population to receive the vaccine, residents can register online or via the phone to take it. The National Guard will assist with distribution.
For more information about the vaccine, visit the Prince William Health District website or the Prince William County vaccine information webpage.
Latest Press Releases
