Northern Virginia Leaders Request Equitable and Transparent Vaccine Distribution

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair at Large Ann Wheeler submitted a letter with other members from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The elected officials wrote a letter to Governor Ralph Northam asking for assistance concerning the transparent and equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to the Health Districts serving Northern Virginia.

“I am committed to the safety and well-being of all residents. Ensuring an equitable and transparent vaccine distribution process is of the utmost importance. I will continue to work with the state and the federal government to address the vaccination distribution shortage and move past this pandemic safely and return to a healthy and vibrant community,” said Chair Wheeler.

The Prince William Health District (PWHD) serves Prince William County, Manassas City, and Manassas Park. The Health District has established George Mason University (GMU), Beacon Hall as a point of dispensing (POD) site. The PWHD, local pharmacies and local hospitals have administered over 20,000 vaccine doses to Prince William County residents with over 2,700 people fully vaccinated, as of January 27, 2021, according to the Virginia Department of Health. For future vaccine distribution, we will follow the guidance we received from the state. We continue to partner with our local pharmacies and hospitals as more vaccine becomes available to increase vaccination sites.

The County is supporting the Health District with operational and vaccination site planning, clinical vaccination support, as well as staffing and information technology support for call centers and waitlist.

NVRC officials relayed to the governor that Northern Virginia is more than adequately equipped to handle up to 70,000 vaccinations per week. Officials say we need a streamlined process to release doses directly to NOVA, provide the ability to detail who has doses, and finally allow our region priority as we are ready and able to vaccinate significant numbers now. The officials stated the problem is a sufficient, predictable, and equitable supply of the vaccine. The Health Districts are ready to work with the governor’s team to ensure a process that works for everyone.