News release from the Virginia Department of Health
The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will offer free Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations on the next three Fridays – November 5, 12 and 19 – at the Ballou Park Recreation Center at 760 W. Main Street from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Please enter the recreational building by the upper level front entrance. Walk-ins are welcome.
If you wish to pre-register for your vaccination appointment, please go to https://vase.vdh.virginia.gov/ or call the state’s COVID Vaccine Hotline at 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.
This “point of dispensing” (POD) event is to provide the opportunity for those 18 and up to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. First dose, second dose and third dose/booster Moderna vaccine will be available at no cost. For individuals who received a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series.
We recommend that these groups should receive a booster:
- Ages 65 and older
- Residents in a long-term care setting
- Ages 50-64 with an underlying medical condition.
In addition, these groups may also benefit from a booster based on their individual benefits and risks:
- Ages 18-49 with an underlying medical condition
- Ages 18-64 with an increased risk COVID-19 because of where they work or live.
“With the continued spread of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, we strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are designed to reduce severe illness, hospitalization and death.” said Pittsylvania/Danville and Southside Health Districts Health Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH.
“We also ask that everyone who attends the POD continue to follow the three Ws: Wear a mask, Watch your distance (stay at least six feet apart) and Wash your hands,” Dr. Spillmann continued. “We will have areas for waiting at safe distances both before and after vaccination, and have arranged more private vaccination areas for those with special needs. We ask all who are to be vaccinated to please wear ‘vaccine ready’ clothing if possible (giving easy access to your upper arm) and that you arrive at your appointed time and bring the CDC vaccination card given to you with your first dose, or driver’s license or other documentation confirming your identity.”
To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, VDH encourages everyone to:
- Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness. If you must go out in public, wear a cloth face covering;
- Stay home when you are sick;
- Avoid contact with sick people;
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
- 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;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
- Call your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms;
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public; and avoid crowds of people.
For more information about this event, call 434-766-9828. Information on COVID-19 in Virginia is available at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.