Health & Fitness
Fredericksburg Area Coronavirus Vaccine Update: Phase 2 Begins
Phase 2 of coronavirus vaccinations has begun in the Rappahannock Area Health District, so all adults are now eligible for the vaccine.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Phase 2 of the state's vaccine rollout plan has begun in the Rappahannock Area Health District, which includes Fredericksburg, Stafford, Caroline County, King George County, and Spotsylvania County. Now, all residents 16 or older are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine.
The expanded vaccine eligibility comes as coronavirus cases increased in four of the district's five localities. The number of hospitalizations in the health district also increased, as 45 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, according to the health district's weekly metrics.
All coronavirus vaccinations in the area are still by appointment only, and no walk-ins will be accepted. The health district said that residents who register will be contacted when it is their turn to schedule an appointment.
Find out what's happening in Fredericksburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Vaccinations are available through the health district, Mary Washington hospital, and several pharmacies in the area. "RAHD shares our registration lists with these vaccinating partners," the health district said on their website. So, residents who wish to receive the vaccine should register online.
So far, more than 109,000 people across the health district have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. More than 70,000 people are fully vaccinated, according to the Virginia Department of Health's dashboard.
Find out what's happening in Fredericksburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The majority of people who have received the coronavirus vaccine in the area are 50 or older. 41 per cent of residents in their 50s, 59 per cent of residents in their 60s, 73 per cent of residents in their 70s and 70 per cent of residents in their 80s have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
To register for the vaccine, residents should sign up for the state's preregistration list. Anyone can preregister for the vaccine, regardless of their current eligibility. The Rappahannock Area Health District pulls from the state's list to schedule vaccine appointments.
People without internet access can call the state's vaccine hotline at 877-829-4682.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
