How has the COVID-19 vaccination process looked in our state, and where in line do you fall?

The Biden-Harris administration announced that they reached their “100 days, 100 million shots” goal in just 58 days. The United States has since pushed forward a new goal: 200 million shots administered in 100 days. Look around you, almost anyone you ask knows multiple people who have gotten the vaccine so far, proving that the vaccination process is no longer a hope of the future, but a promising reality that could signal the end of one of the biggest events of our lifetime. Change is happening right here at home, with hundreds of shots being administered in the Potomac Falls area, particularly at the Dulles Mall. 

As of April 11, 2021, there are approximately 1.87 million people currently vaccinated in Virginia, according to Our World In Data. That is 22 percent of Virginia’s population, and that number is expected to rise marginally as phase two vaccinations are administered. 

The Loudoun County Health Department is currently administering vaccines to people who meet the phase One-A, One-B, and One-C titles. Loudoun County is working with its community partners -including pharmacies, health care systems, schools and employers- to inform people in current priority groups who they can receive a vaccine from, how to make an appointment, and where to go to get vaccinated. 

Phase One-A, B, and C does include some high schoolers: those considered essential workers or have underlying health conditions. Phase two will include everyone that is 16 or older. 16 year olds are approved to receive the Pfizer vaccine, which is being administered at the Loudoun County Vaccination centers. 

Loudoun County is expected to have all phase One vaccinations complete by April 18, and if you had signed up as priority, you should be contacted for your turn before this date. You can sign up to get your vaccine at vaccinate.virginia.gov and follow the instructions on the website. You may also call the vaccination hotline at 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682). Regardless of where you fall in line, by the end of the year, people 16 or older will have the opportunity to get their vaccine. Studies have also shown that giving the vaccine to people 12-15 should start to be a possibility soon, according to childrenshospital.org, which is exciting news for those students wanting to get back to in person learning.