The supply of vaccines for COVID-19 has been unstable and unpredictable across much of the United States, confusing residents who are qualified, ready and eager to get vaccinated.
The supply problem hit the Alexandria area hard on Monday, when Inova announced it had to cancel first-dose appointments for those who had scheduled, which includes many teachers in Fairfax County.
"We understand and share the frustration that this news brings to our patients. When we receive more supply inventory, we will first prioritize patients who had an appointment scheduled, and then focus on opening further appointments up to eligible groups," Inova said on its website.
People who have already gotten a first dose and had a second dose appointment scheduled will be able to keep those appointments.
The reason Inova’s supply is down is because state officials have decided to prioritize giving available vaccines to local health districts on a per capita basis, and there isn’t enough vaccine supply to provide to everyone who wants to be vaccinated now in the Alexandria area.
Some districts, including Alexandria and Fairfax County, are more equipped to accept, store and distribute vaccines than others — and Alexandria is currently accepting vaccines to hold for other jurisdictions.
Virginia is only receiving about 105,000 doses of vaccine per week from makers, according to WTOP. With a population of about 8.6 million (6.8 million people over the age of 18), it would take more than a year to get all adults their first shot at the current supply rate. Both COVID-19 vaccines on the market now are more effective with two doses given three to six weeks apart.
President Biden has signed multiple executive orders related to increasing vaccine supply nationwide, with a goal of getting at least 100 million people their first dose in his first 100 days in office. By deploying Federal Emergency Management Agency staff with National Guard support, each state will be getting more vaccine distribution points in the coming weeks.
Fairfax County Public Schools had been working with Inova to vaccinate all of its teachers and staff, in an effort to get schools open more quickly. Fairfax County health officials will be working with Fairfax County Public Schools and state health officials to try to honor vaccine appointments for FCPS teachers and staff.
As of right now, Alexandria City Public Schools will remain closed through at least the first week of February, but likely longer as the region's infection rate and hospitalizations remain high. Fairfax County Public Schools are also virtual for now, but could bring back some students in February.
According to the Virginia Dept. of Health School Metrics dashboard, both Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria are in the "red" (highest risk) zone and health officials do not recommend opening schools at this time.
If You Want a Vaccine
If you want to be vaccinated and live in the City of Alexandria, go to www.alexandriava.gov/Vaccines to see if you're eligible and to pre-register for an appointment.
In Fairfax County, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus/vaccine/registration.
Fairfax County released additional information about vaccinations going forward for residents and employees of Fairfax-based companies. Click here for that information.
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The following FAQs came from the City of Alexandria Monday evening:
COVID-19 Vaccine Second Dose Frequently Asked Questions
AHD has received a number of inquiries regarding second doses. These are the three most common:
- With the limited vaccine supply, will I be able to get a second dose?Yes. In addition to the weekly, very limited per-capita supply, AHD will also be receiving second doses that correspond with the number of first doses administered. AHD is not aware of any planned change to this assurance at the federal or state level and will notify the public if this policy changes.
- How do I make my second dose appointment?Even if you used the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) for your first appointment, you will not use it for your second. About two to three weeks after your first dose, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your final dose. If you did not include an email address with your initial registration, you will receive a call. This system may change over time with the development of new registration and appointment processes.
- How will I feel after my second dose? Some people report more side effects from the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and do not mean that you are infected with COVID-19. These side effects, such as pain at the injection site, fever, chills, or body aches, may affect your ability to do daily activities, but should go away in a few days. Learn more about what to expect and how you can minimize any impacts.
