Alexandria could have the COVID-19 vaccine this month, but the first doses won’t be available to the general public until next spring.
Nearly a half million healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents across Virginia at risk of being infected will get the first doses from the Virginia Department of Health, and it is not yet known when the rest of the public will get the vaccine.
“We know that, initially, there will be very limited supplies and the federal government will be advising and even requiring us to vaccinate certain persons first,” Dr. Stephen Haering, director of the Alexandria Health Department, told City Council last month.
Vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are currently undergoing Food and Drug Administration approval. Once approved, it is estimated that 480,000 doses will be distributed across Virginia.
Haering said that essential workers, like first responders and government employees would be next to get the vaccine, followed by the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. He estimates that the AHD will vaccinate up to 35% of the city’s population.
The vaccine will free and eventually available at grocery stores, as well as chain and independent pharmacies, according to the VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.
“One of the things we’re doing is focusing a lot of our resources on vaccine PODs (Points Of Dispensing),” Haering said. “We’re anticipating that pharmacies will be vaccinating the long-term care facilities, but we’re planning on doing that if for some reason that falls through.”
Mayor Justin Wilson said the city needs to be clear on a timeline for who will get vaccinated.
“I imagine we are going to need to communicate extremely clearly with the public as it relates to vaccination prioritizations, particularly early on when the supply is limited,” Wilson said.
Recent Stories
The Alexandria Police Department has identified the victim of last Monday’s (April 22) suspicious death as 54-year-old John Andreadakis. APD released Andreadakis’ name on Sunday, but have answered no other…
Police are investigating a commercial robbery that took place this morning around 11 a.m. at a shopping center off S. Van Dorn Street. According to scanner traffic, a man in…
Those hoping to learn a little more about the candidates running for local office in Alexandria can do so later this week at a forum hosted by Tenants and Workers…
The former general manager of Hank’s Oyster Bar in Old Town was sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to embezzling $680,000 from the restaurant. Claude Ibrahim, 53, was…
Potomac Harmony is Back! Following a gap year of competing, then virtual rehearsals during the pandemic, followed by the well-earned retirement of our long-term director, a year of a director search, Potomac Harmony hit the regional contest stage in Concord, North Carolina in March for the first time since 2018! It was exhilarating, reaffirming, and rewarding!
The chorus hit all of its goals, the biggest of which was to have fun and sing our best on contest stage — we did both! Because we earned a score over 400 points, our new Director, Allison Lynskey, was awarded the Novice Director award, photo above. Additionally, one of our charter members, Jackie Bottash, was nominated for and honored with the Leadership Excellence award. It was a celebratory weekend!
What’s next? So much! We now look forward to upcoming performances, growing our membership, and expanding our musical product with new arrangements and an education component each week. It’s an exciting time to be part of this ever-growing ensemble!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Struggling with anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma? Take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life with our professional psychotherapy services.
At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our team of compassionate and experienced therapists is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need on your journey to mental wellness.
Through personalized therapy sessions, we create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Whether you’re dealing with past traumas, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and goals.
