How To Get The COVID-19 Vaccine In Virginia

VIRGINIA — As of April 18, all areas of Virginia are in phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccinations, allowing everyone aged 16 and up to be eligible for the vaccine.

The state transitioned from a preregistration system to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vaccine Finder, which allows people to directly book appointments through vaccination providers.

On April 19, the Virginia Department of Health reported that 25 percent of the state's population is now fully vaccinated.

Through local health district registration systems, which began to be integrated into Virginia's statewide system on Feb. 12, a growing number of residents began receiving emails and texts alerting them that they can make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

State Vaccine Coordinator Dr. Danny Avula said people's interest in getting vaccinated varies based on locality.

"Communities like Northern Virginia and the greater Richmond area, not only do they have more people but a demographic that is more interested in getting vaccinated, so we are shifting allocations to those communities because we really are trying to get everyone to phase two," Avula said.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you. The first step in scheduling your vaccination appointment is to see if you're eligible to get it now.

Who Can Get Vaccinated

Anyone 16 and older can find vaccinations providers with their ZIP code at vaccinefinder.org. Residents may also call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) for help finding a vaccine appointment daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In a video update on April 16, Gov. Ralph Northam estimated it could take weeks for appointments to become available to everyone who seeks the vaccine. The governor expressed confidence that any adult who wants the vaccine could get the first dose by the end of May.

In Fairfax County, the health department stopped accepting registrations for the COVID-19 on April 18. People will be able to schedule an appointment directly by visiting VaccineFinder.org.

Children younger than 16 will be offered vaccines only after the vaccine is tested and authorized by FDA for use in children.

How To Register To Get The Vaccine

People who are eligible in phases 1a, 1b or 1c who cannot find an appointment through Vaccine Finder may still preregister through the state. This includes anyone 65 and older, healthcare workers, frontline essential workers, other essential workers, those with a medical condition or disability, or those living in a long-term care facility, correctional facility, homeless shelter, or migrant labor camp.

To pre-register for the vaccine or check if you're registered, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).

For information on how to register to be vaccinated, contact or visit the website of the local health department in the locality where you live or work.

Residents should email their local health departments if they have questions about why their names are not showing up on the statewide system and want reassurance that their names are on the registration list.

Getting Vaccinated

As of April 18, Fairfax County residents can find appointments via VaccineFinder.org or call the Fairfax County Health Department at 703-324-7404. If you've already preregistered with the county system, your place on the waitlist will be honored.

If you are eligible but have not been notified by your employer or health care provider, use this online locator to find a health department near you. Check Virginia's COVID webpage for regular updates.

CVS (including those located within some Target stores), Safeway, Kroger, Walgreens and Walmart have begun administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible populations at locations throughout the state. Follow the links to register and schedule appointments.

Richmond, Suffolk, Norfolk, Danville, Portsmouth, Petersburg, and Prince William County have opened mass vaccination sites. Vaccinations are by appointment only. You can make an appointment on the state health department's COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 hotline at 877-829-4682. You can also find information about mass sites by using the state's online locator, which will direct you to county health departments.

Virginia has set up a website and hotline to answer questions about the vaccination process. Visit Vaccinate.Virginia.gov, or call 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343) Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., if you have questions.