HANOVER COUNTY, Va. -- A COVID-19 vaccination clinic opened Friday in the former Food Lion store in the Ashland Junction Shopping Center in Hanover County.
Officials said Hanover County’s vaccination team as well as Chickahominy Health District staff will vaccinate as many people as possible based on vaccine supply.
"The clinic will not be open daily and hours of operation will vary, depending on the week, and appointments will be required to get vaccinated," officials noted. "No walk-in or drop-in vaccination opportunities are available at this time."
Officials urged folks to sign up onlineor call the county's COVID-19 Call Center at 804-365-3240, where staffers will help determine which vaccine group people are in and also submit their info.
“If the vaccinations are not yet being distributed to the group you are in, we will put your name on the list and reach out to you when your group’s turn has arrived,” Deputy County Administrator Jim Taylor said about the sign up process. “We realize that people want information, and they want to know when they can receive the vaccine. We are working as fast as we can to provide more opportunities to our residents in the weeks and months to come.”
RELATED: How you can get on a COVID-19 vaccine waitlist
Officials said the data submitted via the form or call center will aid the health department in placing residents in their vaccination category so they can be contacted when eligible to receive the vaccine.
The former grocery store location is being managed by Hanover Fire/EMS with support from the Chickahominy Health District, which will move its clinic to the Ashland Junction space March 1, and a vaccine project team of county employees and volunteers.
“Working with the Chickahominy Health District and Hanover Fire/EMS, we continue to look for ways to support the process and make it more efficient," County Administrator John A. Budesky said. "Having a dedicated clinic is an important step in meeting this need, and we are grateful to Food Lion for supporting our community in this way.”
Officials said Hanover County is also participating in regional vaccination clinics.
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COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.