Governor Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that all adults in Virginia will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning April 18.
Ahead of that deadline, local health districts are opening vaccines to essential workers in Phase 1c, or if they've finished vaccinating everyone in that phase, Phase 2, which includes all adults.
All Virginians can pre-register for a vaccine by visiting the Virginia Department of Health's website or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA. For more information on the vaccine and to view News 3's full coverage, click here to view our COVID-19 vaccination guide.
Here's a list of local cities and health districts that have expanded vaccine access.
Chesapeake
Chesapeake opened vaccines to Phase 2 Friday, April 2. All adults 16 and over who want a vaccine are now eligible.
Appointments are still required regardless of the phase you qualify for. The health department will continue prioritizing vaccination for anyone in phases 1a, 1b and 1c who registers for a vaccine.
Eastern Shore Health District
The Eastern Shore Health District, which includes Accomack County and Northampton County, will open vaccines to the entire Eastern Shore population beginning Monday, April 5.
Vaccines will be given in partnership with Eastern Shore Rural Health System and Riverside Medical Group.
“We have vaccinated the vast majority of our Phase 1 population who have expressed interest in getting the vaccine. We are excited to be able to open vaccine eligibility to our entire Shore community,” said Chief Operating Officer of the Eastern Shore Health District Jon Richardson.
If you are in Phase 2 and want a vaccine, the health department asks that you contact your primary care provider. If you don't have a primary care provider, contact Eastern Shore Rural Health directly to schedule an appointment.
If you were eligible under Phase 1 and want to receive a vaccine, contact the Health Department at 757-787-5880.
Norfolk
The Norfolk Department of Public Health will expand COVID-19 vaccine access to people in Phase 1c beginning Friday, April 2, and will expand further to all Norfolk residents ages 16 and up beginning Sunday, April 4.
Vaccines will still be offered to anyone in Phase 1 who registers to receive one. According to the health department, an overlap of vaccine phases will occur to make sure people in each phase are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Health District is expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to Phase 2 on Monday, April 12.
Persons age 16 and older who reside or work in Portsmouth will be eligible to receive the vaccine. A parent or an adult must accompany anyone under the age of 18.
Appointments are required.
Virginia Beach
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has transitioned to Phase 2.
Bob Engle, the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health's emergency coordinator, urged anyone in phases 1a and 1b still waiting for an appointment to email the health department.
"We have approximately 6,000 people registered for Phase 1c, so we expect to quickly transition to Phase 2," Engle said, adding that the health department encourages everyone to pre-register.
Officials say there will be appointment slots available for Phase 2 qualified individuals starting this week. According to a news release, those who pre-register Monday may receive invitations to schedule appointments within a few hours.
Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer says it’s a testament to the partnership between the City and VBDPH.
In addition, people who live and work in Virginia Beach and wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccine no longer need to wait for an invitation from the Health Department to schedule an appointment.
On select days, the vaccination clinic at the Virginia Beach Convention Center is offering walk-up registration for patients who would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Walk-up registration at the Convention Center will be available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the following days:
- Monday, April 12 & 19
- Wednesday, April 14 & 21
- Thursday, April 15 & 22
Western Tidewater Health District
The Western Tidewater Health District is expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to Phase 2 on Monday April 12. Persons 16 or older who work or reside in this district will be eligible to receive the vaccine.
The WTHD began vaccinating healthcare personnel in December before moving to Phase 1b.
Phase 1b includes those 65 and older, those 16-64 with underlying medical conditions and some frontline essential workers. Phase 2 includes the general public and those in phase 1 can continue to register as well.
Hampton and Peninsula
The Virginia Department of Health’s Peninsula and Hampton Health Districts will move into 1c COVID-19 vaccinations beginning April 5.
The districts will continue to prioritize vaccination for anyone in Phase 1a and 1b who registers to receive it. Overlap of vaccination of phases may occur to ensure people in each phase are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible.
All localities and health systems encourage essential workers in the 1c group to pre-register. Scheduling of workers in the 1c group will begin on April 6. Pre-registered members of 1a and 1b will continue to be prioritized.