Vaccines Being Scheduled | Not Yet Eligible |
–Phase 1a (Healthcare Workers; Long-term Care Residents) –Phase 1b (Residents 65+; Residents 16-64 w/ Medical Conditions & Disabilities; Frontline Essential Workers) –Phase 1c (Other Essential Workers) |
–General Public — Assuming the necessary supply of vaccine is received on schedule, Arlington County will hopefully be able to reach Phase 2 and open eligibility to the general public the week of April 18.
Everyone who lives or works in Virginia should pre-register by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) so they can be notified when they are eligible. |
Updated: April 8, 2021
We will continue to update these FAQs as we learn more. See more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and additional FAQs on the Virginia Department of Health website.
Vaccine Distribution
Who is eligible for the vaccine? And what do I do if I am eligible? (Last updated: 4/5/21)
Arlington County is one of 35 health districts accountable to the Virginia Department of Health, which sets priorities for vaccine distribution across the Commonwealth while vaccine supplies are limited. There are simply not enough doses available yet for everyone who is eligible to receive them. Virginia is not likely to meet the demand for Phase 1b until the spring.
The ability to schedule appointments will depend on the supply of vaccine available. Vaccine supply in the United States is still very limited and is expected to increase gradually over the next months.
Unfortunately, it may be weeks or longer before vaccination appointments become available for those who have pre-registered.
Everyone who lives or works in Virginia should continue to pre-register by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week.
Vaccination in the Arlington Health District
Phase | Who? | Status | What's Happening | How to Get an Appointment |
1a | Health Care personnel living and/or working in Arlington | Eligible under Phase 1a | Health care providers are encouraged to coordinate with their employers. | Check with your employer and encourage them to pre-register as a healthcare provider organization |
1a | Long-term care facility residents and staff | Eligible under Phase 1a | Vaccinations occurring via a federal program with Walgreens and CVS. | Contact the long-term care facility’s administrator for details |
1b | Adults 65+ | Eligible under Phase 1b | COVID Vaccine clinics continue to be scheduled | Residents who are pre-registered will receive an email inviting them to schedule a vaccine appointment. Individuals who have not already pre-registered are encouraged to do so with Vaccinate Virginia. |
1b | Residents 16-64 years old with a high-risk medical condition or disability that increases their risk of severe illness from COVID-19 | Eligible under Phase 1b | COVID Vaccine clinics are being scheduled as vaccine distribution increases | Residents who are pre-registered will receive an email inviting them to schedule a vaccine appointment. Individuals who have not already pre-registered are encouraged to do so with Vaccinate Virginia. |
1b | Frontline Essential Workers | Eligible as essential frontline workers under Phase 1b | COVID Vaccine clinics are being scheduled | Staff will receive information directly from Arlington County once their employer provides worker information |
1c | Other Essential Workers | We anticipate being able to send scheduling notifications to everyone pre-registered in Phase 1c by mid-April. Details on Phase 1c | Assuming the necessary supply is received on schedule, we will hopefully then be able to reach Phase 2 open eligibility to the general public. | Everyone who lives or works in Virginia should pre-register with Vaccinate Virginia so they can be notified when they are eligible. |
2 | General Public | Eligible once the Virginia Department of Health announces Phase 2 | Additional information will be made available once VDH approves movement into Phase 2 | Additional information will be made available once Phase 2 is approved; pre-registration is available at Vaccinate Virginia. |
Do I need an appointment to get the vaccine?
Yes, once eligible, individuals will be invited to schedule an appointment for vaccine. Currently, the County is using Eventbrite to schedule appointments.
Additional appointments may be found at out locations at vaccinefinder.org.
Who is considered eligible under Phase 1b? (Last updated: 2/26/21)
The Virginia Department of Health has defined the following groups under Phase 1b:
- At risk populations: persons aged 65 and older; correctional facility residents; homeless shelter residents
- Residents 16-64 years old* with medical conditions and disabilities
- Frontline Essential Sector Workers: Police, Fire, and Hazmat; Corrections and homeless shelter workers; Childcare/PreK-12 Teachers/Staff; Food and Agriculture (including veterinarians); Manufacturing; Grocery store workers; Public transit workers; Mail carriers (USPS and private); Officials needed to maintain continuity of government (including judges and public facing judicial workers); Clergy/Faith Leaders; Janitorial/Cleaning staff
*NOTE: Pfizer's vaccine has been authorized for ages 16 and up. Moderna's vaccine is currently authorized for ages 18 and up.
Do I have to pre-register to get a vaccine? (Last updated: 3/19/21)
Anyone interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine needs to pre-register with Vaccinate Virginia. Arlington County will contact you as vaccine appointments become available for eligible groups. Note: Pre-registering does not automatically schedule you for an appointment.
If you, or someone you know, needs assistance filing out the pre-registration page, or do not have an email address, call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).
Those who are eligible to receive the vaccine can look for a location near them using VaccineFinder.org.
View additional information at Virginia Department of Health.
If I pre-register, will I receive confirmation? (Last updated: 2/26/21)
Once you have pre-registered, you will receive a reference number. Then, if you gave an email address, you will receive regular emails to give you peace of mind that you are still on the list and your turn is coming up.
When your turn comes for a vaccination appointment, you will get a phone call or an email to schedule your appointment.
View additional information at Virginia Department of Health.
How are vaccine doses being distributed? (Last updated: 2/26/21)
We continue to add additional vaccine appointments every week. In Phase 1b, about half of available vaccines are being given to people aged 65 years and older. The other half is being given to frontline essential workers in specific industries, such as police officers, firefighters, hazmat workers, pre-kindergarten-12th grade (PreK-12) teachers and staff, childcare providers, people aged 16-64 years with an underlying health condition or disability, and people living in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and migrant labor camps.
Vaccine allocated to Arlington County Public Health Division (ACPHD) |
||
50% of vaccine allocation | 50% of vaccine allocation | |
Residents 65 years and older | Residents 16-64 with underlying health conditions | Phase 1a (Healthcare Personnel)
Phase 1b Frontline Essential Workers:
|
Health Care providers (Phase 1a)
How do health care providers get the Vaccine?
Health care providers eligible under Phase 1a should work with their employer to get vaccinated. For Health providers living or working in Arlington who still need a vaccination, they can pre-register.
Are personal care attendants and home health aides considered health care workers?
Employed caregivers (home health aides, hospice aides, etc.) are considered health care workers, qualify for vaccination in 1a, and are encouraged to pre-register.
Are caregivers eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1a as a healthcare provider?
Primary caregivers for persons with severe chronic medical conditions or with intellectual or developmental disabilities requiring a high level of daily care are eligible under Phase 1a as health care providers. These types of caregivers working in Arlington should pre-register in Phase 1a healthcare personnel.
Employed caregivers (home health aides, hospice aides, etc.) working in Arlington are also considered under Phase 1a as health care personnel and are also encouraged to pre-register.
Guidance for caregivers when filling out the 1a Healthcare Personnel Pre-Registration form,
- Question 1: Place your name in the box; and Indicate ‘self-employed’ in the comment box;
- Question 2: Place 1 (or more if applicable) “number of healthcare clinicians in your organization”;
- Question 3: Mark NO “are you affiliated with a hospital or health care system?”;
- Question 4: Mark YES for question number 4, “Does your organization include clinicians/healthcare providers/healthcare personnel?”
- Question 5: Mark OTHER and FILL IN caregiver, personal care assistant OR home health aide.
Individuals Eligible under 1b
I am age 65+. How can I get vaccinated? (Updated 4/5/21)
Residents over the age of 65 who have pre-registered with the Arlington Public Health Division and Vaccinate.Virginia.gov have received an email invitation to schedule a vaccine. We encourage people to look in their SPAM folders for an email from arlingtonva@public.govdelivery.com.
For residents who have pre-registered, and need assistance with scheduling an appointment, please contact 703-228-7999.
Arlington residents age 65+ who have not yet received a vaccination should continue to pre-register with Vaccinate Virginia if they haven’t already done so. Please note that individuals 65+ can also schedule vaccine appointments directly through the Federal Pharmacy Program. Visit vaccinefinder.org to identify locations and appointment times.
How can Arlington residents aged 16-64 years with a high-risk medical condition or disability access vaccination? (Last updated: 4/5/21)
As of March 19, residents ages 16-64 with underlying conditions that pre-registered with Arlington County have been notified to schedule a vaccine appointment. Arlington Public Health is continuing to send notifications to additional residents in this group who have pre-registered through Vaccinate.Virginia.gov in the approximate order of pre-registration.
For eligible residents 16-64 with underlying health conditions who have pre-registered and need assistance with scheduling an appointment, please contact 703-228-7999.
Note: Individuals in this category can also schedule appointments directly through the Federal Pharmacy program. Visit vaccinefinder.org to find locations and appointments.
- Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19 (hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death. View the CDC’s list of conditions that increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
- Individuals with any underlying medical conditions (including those NOT on the list) should consult with their healthcare provider about their own personal risk factors associated with illness from COVID-19. Healthcare providers may use clinical judgement to determine if a patient’s medical condition or disability warrants prioritization for vaccination.
- Proof of a high-risk medical condition or disability that increases risk of severe illness from COVID-19 is not needed.
Essential Frontline Workers under 1b
I am a frontline essential worker in Phase 1b or Phase 1c, how do I get vaccinated? (Last updated: 4/5/21)
Everyone eligible for vaccination in Phase 1a or 1b who has pre-registered has either received an invitation to make an appointment or will in the next two weeks. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has indicated all local health districts, including Arlington County, will have enough vaccine to complete outreach to priority groups by the week of April 18, 2021.
Those at highest risk will continue to receive priority in the scheduling process. We anticipate being able to send scheduling notifications to everyone pre-registered in Phase 1c by mid-April.
Assuming that the necessary supply is received on schedule, we will hopefully then be able to reach Phase 2 and open eligibility to the general public.
Please note --that eligible employees in Phase 1a, 1b, or 1c can receive a vaccine in the jurisdiction where they work. Residents will receive a vaccine in the jurisdiction where they live. As such, everyone who lives or works in Virginia should pre-register so they can be notified when they are eligible for vaccination and vaccine is available.
To pre-register, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). If you have already pre-registered, please ensure your information is updated and complete.
All who have pre-registered should periodically check spam/junk folders for a notification to schedule a vaccine. Emails from Arlington County's Public Health Division will come from arlingtonva@public.govdelivery.com, with the subject line "Invitation to Schedule COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment."
Anyone who is eligible for a vaccine can also use vaccinefinder.org to find COVID-19 Vaccines near them.
How do I get the vaccine if I am an eligible frontline essential worker under 1b or 1c, but work outside of Arlington County?(updated 4/5/21)
Eligible frontline essential workers should plan to get the vaccine in the jurisdiction where they work. Please contact their employer directly to learn more about vaccination in the jurisdiction where you are employed.
Everyone who lives or works in Virginia should pre-register so they can be notified when they are eligible for vaccination and vaccine is available.
If I am a frontline worker, can members of my family get the vaccination at the same time?
If family members meet the criteria under one of the eligible groups in Phase 1a or 1b, they are encouraged to pre-register independently. Otherwise, they will need to wait until the vaccine is available for the general public.
Individuals can also pre-register directly at Vaccinate Virginia.
Once I have an appointment
Do I need to provide identification or documentation when I get the vaccine?
No photo identification is not required for vaccination, but individuals will need to provide a form of identification when they arrive for their scheduled appointments. This is needed to confirm your identity (i.e. name, date of birth) so we can confirm that we are vaccinating the right person. You can not be turned away for lack of documentation.
How much will the COVID vaccine cost? (Last updated: 2/26/21)
The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States. Vaccination providers can be reimbursed for vaccine administration fees by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund. No one can be denied a vaccine if they are unable to pay a vaccine administration fee. Arlington County Public Health does not bill insurance for administrative costs.
Please note that you do NOT pay to schedule an appointment; and you will NOT be asked for payment information, social security numbers or Medicare information. Please do NOT give this information to someone who asks.
When will other people be eligible for the vaccine? (Last updated: 4/5/21)
On April 1, 2021, Governor Ralph Northam announced all individuals in Virginia age 16 and older will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine starting on Sunday, April 18, ahead of the May 1 nationwide goal set by President Joe Biden.
What does this mean for Arlington?
Based on an influx of vaccine supply at the state level, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has allocated an increase in local supply of vaccine to complete Arlington County's aggressive vaccination schedule for the next three weeks in an effort to move to Phase 2.
VDH has indicated all local health districts, including Arlington, will have enough vaccine to complete outreach to priority groups by the week of April 18. Assuming that the necessary supply is received on schedule, we will hopefully then be able to reach Phase 2 open eligibility to the general public.
- Those at highest risk will continue to receive priority in the scheduling process.
- We anticipate being able to send scheduling notifications to everyone pre-registered in Phase 1C by mid-April.
- We are committed to ensuring everyone on our priority pre-registration lists are notified to schedule appointments prior to going to Phase 2.
Everyone who lives or works in Virginia should pre-register so they can be notified when they are eligible for vaccination and vaccine is available.
When will children be able to receive the vaccine?
The vaccines currently approved under Emergency Use Authority have not yet been studied in children younger than 16. They will not be available to that age group until more information is available.
After I get the Vaccine
Are there side effects from the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine trial safety data have reported mostly mild or moderate symptoms after vaccination. The most common adverse reactions were temporary in nature, including: fever, body aches and soreness at the injection site.
How will the second dose be scheduled? (Last updated: 3/13/21)
Individuals will be notified directly by the vaccination clinic to schedule their second dose of vaccination. The County will email individuals around the approximate date of eligibility with an invitation to schedule the second dose in Eventbrite. Check the location on your Eventbrite confirmation once scheduled. There are NO Walk in appointments available.
Please note that the date on your vaccination card is not an appointment; it is the date at which you become eligible to receive the second dose of your vaccine.
The Virginia Department of Health distributes second dose vaccine supply to localities based on specific first dose distribution numbers. Arlington schedules appointments based on available vaccine supply received.
Do I need to get the same vaccine for the second dose?
Yes. The second dose must be of the same vaccine from the same manufacturer.
After I get the vaccine, do I still need to wear a mask and socially distance?
Yes. The reason is that while we know the vaccine reduces the risk of developing serious COVID illness, we don’t know yet if it prevents the ability to carry and spread the virus to others still. The CDC has given clear direction that individuals should still wear masks, stating “it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like wearing masks, washing hands often, and social distancing.” The PPE guidance or isolation protocols should not be changed based on the provider’s or the patient’s vaccination status.
Do I need to quarantine for a period of time after I receive the vaccine?
No. The vaccine does not contain a live virus. It only contains a piece of the genetic code for the spike protein, which protects your body from the virus. It cannot give you COVID-19.
If I get the vaccine, will it protect my family and friends?
While the vaccine will help keep you from getting sick from COVID-19, scientists are not yet sure if a person who has been vaccinated can still give the virus to other people. That means it is important for everyone to get vaccinated and to continue wearing masks and following physical distancing recommendations.
Additional Information and Resources
What vaccines are currently available? (Last updated: 3/1/21)
Currently, there are three COVID-19 vaccines that have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in the U.S.
- Pfizer: On Dec. 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for use in persons 16 years and older.
- Moderna: On Dec. 18, 2020, the FDA issued an EUA for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. ACIP issued an interim recommendation for its use in persons aged 18 years of age and older.
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson): On Feb. 27, 2021, the FDA issued an EUA for the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, allowing it to be distributed in the U.S. for use in individuals 18 years of age and older.
Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA vaccines; the Janseen vaccine is a viral vector vaccine. The vaccines cannot give you COVID-19.
Vaccine ingredients lists can be found on the manufacturer’s fact sheets:
- Moderna, see page 2
- Pfizer-BioNTech, see page 2
- Janssen, see page 2
How is the vaccine administered? (Last updated: 3/1/21)
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are given in two doses by injecting it into the muscle, similar to the flu shot. The second dose should be administered about three weeks after the first dose for the Pfizer-BoiNTech and four weeks for the Moderna vaccine. Your shot will be recorded on a vaccination card and you will be asked to follow up with a second appointment at the appropriate time. You must receive both doses as scheduled in order to fully benefit from the vaccine’s protection.
The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine requires one dose.
If I have already had COVID-19, and have recovered, do I still need to get the vaccine?
Yes. It is recommended that you should still get the vaccine. It is important to note that regardless of a previous COVID-19 recovery or vaccination, individuals will still need to abide by the same health and safety protocols recommended by the CDC and Health Division. Read more: CDC’s FAQ about COVID-19 Vaccination.
How I help volunteer with the COVID-19 vaccine efforts?
We’re currently recruiting Complete Vaccine Committee (CVC) Organizational Partners. A CVC partner organization is an organization that agrees to receive and share information from the CVC and County Officials on the vaccine, including educational information, materials that can be shared with others, and updates on the distribution process. Sign up to be a CVC Organizational Partner: https://www.arlingtonva.us/cvcpartner/.
Also, see details on becoming part of our Medical Reserve Corps. In addition, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is recruiting Community Ambassadors. VDH Ambassadors are individuals who agree to share COVID-19 updates and materials from top experts and sources. Sign up here.
Finally, our community still has an immediate need for resources outside of the vaccination effort. Visit https://volunteer.leadercenter.org/covid-19-care-community to learn more about these opportunities to help.
Vaccine Safety
Are the vaccines safe?
COVID-19 vaccines have satisfied the requirements issued in the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Before the FDA grants an EUA, the safety and efficacy of these vaccines were reviewed by FDA scientific staff and by an independent panel of experts convened by the FDA. The CDC and the FDA will continue to monitor individuals who have received the vaccine to ensure there is no evidence of even rare safety issues. The vaccines were tested in large studies to include tens of thousands of people to make sure they met safety standards and protect people of different ages, races, and ethnicities. The study results showed that the vaccines’ benefits outweighed possible risks and provide protection from COVID-19.
COVID-19 can be a severe or fatal disease, even in young, healthy people. The risks from COVID-19 illness are greater than the possible risks from receiving the vaccine, therefore, when you are eligible for vaccination, it is strongly recommended you receive the vaccine. If you have specific questions about whether or not you should receive the vaccine when it is available, please contact your primary care provider.
What is in the vaccine? (last updated: 3/1/21)
Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA vaccines -- These vaccines include a piece of messenger RNA, or mRNA, that your body uses as instructions to make a protein that appears on the surface of the virus. Your immune system reacts to this protein and develops a response without danger of coronavirus infection. This allows your body to start preparing to fight against the virus even before you are exposed.
The Janseen vaccine is a viral vector vaccine -- For COVID-19 viral vector vaccines, the vector (not the virus that causes COVID-19, but a different, harmless virus) will enter a cell in our body and then use the cell’s machinery to produce a harmless piece of the virus that causes COVID-19. This piece is known as a spike protein and it is only found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19.
None of the vaccines can give you COVID-19.
Vaccine ingredients lists can be found on the manufacturer’s fact sheets:
- Moderna, see page 2
- Pfizer-BioNTech, see page 2
- Janssen, see page 2
How will COVID-19 vaccines protect me and others?
In clinical trials, the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines were shown to have high efficacy (>94%) in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection after two doses. They also showed that they could prevent severe disease. The vaccine works by stimulating our body’s immune system to make “antibodies” to the COVID-19 virus. These antibodies allow the body to quickly defend itself if one becomes infected with the virus.
While vaccines are very effective in preventing COVID-19, they are just one tool. Even for those who have been vaccinated, a combination of actions is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. After getting the vaccine, it will still be important to adhere to all health and safety recommendations from the CDC and Virginia Department of Health.
Where can I find additional information about the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine?
The CDC has publicly available information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine at www.cdc.gov. Individuals can select to read information on the CDC website in multiple languages.
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