Vaccination program expands today

Tuesday, the Virginia Department of Health announced that it has started registering Virginians age 65 and older who are within the Phase 1b eligibility guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the federal retail pharmacy program.

Eligible individuals can register at https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine.

CVS will begin administering vaccinations on Friday, Feb. 12.

Due to technological limitations with the national appointment system, CVS is unable to reserve appointments for pre-registered individuals, according to a press release, which stated, “Virginia will continue to work towards a solution in partnership with other participating states and the federal government.”

The appointment for the second vaccination will be made when the first vaccination appointment is scheduled. Those without online access can contact CVS Customer Service at 800/746-7287. Walk-in vaccinations without an appointment will not be provided.

Monday, Virginia’s U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine urged the Biden administration to make certain that more vaccine doses go to rural communities. Their letter to the administration followed reports that pharmacies in Southwest Virginia were not participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination.

Previously, Health Wagon President and Chief Executive Officer Teresa Tyson pleaded for Virginia to provide more COVID-19 vaccine doses to the far Southwest.

Gov. Ralph Northam said solving the problem will depend on Virginia receiving more doses from the federal government.