Local health district is now vaccinating individuals with high-risk medical conditions

As local supplies continue to increase, the Blue Ridge Health District has started vaccinating people with high-risk medical conditions.

The district last week began vaccinating individuals with such conditions as it continues to give doses to people age 65 and older, health care workers and some essential workers.

The expansion comes as the local health district is receiving more doses than it has in months. Last week, the district received more than 3,000 “first dose” vaccines (meaning Pfizer or Moderna vaccines) and 2,000 single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

“We are excited that our supply is increasing weekly,” the district said in a statement. “But it is still limited right now. By the end of April, we anticipate a significant increase in vaccine supply and availability among area providers.”

For now, the local health district continues to be the main source of vaccines, with some also available at a handful of local pharmacies through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. 

A Charlottesville CVS continues to distribute a few hundred a week to individuals over age 65, who can grab an online appointment. The store is now also vaccinating local teachers.

A local Kroger store is also getting a “limited supply” of vaccines that can be reserved online. Kroger is offering vaccines to people age 65 and older, health care workers and teachers.

Meanwhile, Walmart, Walgreens and Harris Teeter are also receiving vaccines as part of the national program, though it is unclear when they may become available in the Charlottesville area.