Posted on February 12, 2021 at 3:37 PM by Nancy McCormick
Loudoun Pre-screen Survey to Close Friday, Feb. 12 at 5:00 p.m.; Transition to Statewide System Next Week
The Virginia Department of Health has announced the launch of a Statewide Vaccine Pre-Registration System to provide a unified and comprehensive process for people in Virginia to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Pre-registration Closing
As a result of the new statewide system, the Virginia Department of Health has directed all local health districts to close their pre-registration forms and surveys at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021 to allow for existing registration data to be transferred to the new system. Loudoun County residents will not be able to register for COVID-19 vaccine for a few days.
Previously Submitted Pre-screens
All individuals who previously submitted a pre-screening survey to be vaccinated through the Loudoun County Health Department will be automatically added to the new statewide system. Everyone will maintain their place on our waitlist in Loudoun County. Anyone who has completed a pre-screen survey with Loudoun County does not need to complete a new pre-registration when the state system goes live next week.
Beginning on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 all pre-registration for COVID-19 vaccine in Virginia will go through the new statewide system.
It is possible that in the future, people who completed a Loudoun County prescreen will be asked to complete additional information in their preregistration forms that was not asked for in Loudoun’s pre-screening survey, e.g., home address. Instructions on this process will be provided to people who are registered as soon as the details of any required action steps are confirmed.
Appointment Scheduling Will Continue
Even with this change, we continue to systematically work through the waitlist of people who have signed up to receive vaccine. Loudoun County continues to vaccinate people with appointments six days a week. We are contacting individuals in the order pre-screening survey submissions were received for appointments, as vaccine supplies allow, and in accordance with a state-mandated allocation formula between priority groups. We want to assure all who have submitted pre-screening surveys to the Loudoun County Health Department that when it is your turn to receive a vaccine, we will contact you by email. Those who do not have access to the internet will be contacted by phone. Please note that limited supplies of vaccine continue to result in long waits – at least several weeks—for vaccination appointments.
How Loudoun is Prioritizing Vaccination Appointments
The Loudoun County Health Department is required to offer vaccine to people according to Virginia’s vaccine prioritization plans. We are currently in Phase 1a and 1b of this plan. About half of Virginia’s population is currently eligible for vaccine in Phase 1a and Phase 1b.
It is important to understand that within Phase 1b, Virginia has further prioritized essential workers into nine categories. Loudoun is currently focused on the priority groups below.
Phase 1a:
Phase 1b:
- Police, fire and hazmat
- Corrections and homeless shelter workers
- Child Care/PreK-12 teachers/staff
Read more about the priorities within Virginia’s Phase 1b under Frontline Essential Workers by Order of Vaccination Planning (PDF).
Estimated Wait Time
At this time, our best estimate is that anyone who submitted a pre-screening survey may have to wait 6 weeks or more from the time of registration before their turn for an appointment comes up. We are starting to schedule appointments for people 65 and over who submitted their pre-screening surveys before 9:30 a.m. on January 15. On January 15, individuals 65 – 74 and those 16-65 with underlying health conditions were added to Phase 1b. As a result, a record number of individuals registered on that day.
Scheduled Appointments and Second Doses
This change will not impact individuals who have already scheduled an appointment or who are waiting to receive a second dose. Anyone who has scheduled an appointment through the Loudoun County Health Department should go to that appointment as scheduled. You should continue to follow instructions from the Loudoun County Health Department on completing your vaccine series.
Stay Vigilant in Slowing the Spread of COVID-19
Before and after Loudoun residents receive a COVID-19 vaccine, everyone is encouraged to continue taking the steps that help prevent the spread of the disease, including washing hands frequently, wearing face coverings, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings of people and staying home when sick. Learn more about COVID-19 prevention and care on the county’s website.
For more information about COIVD-19 vaccination efforts in Loudoun County, visit loudoun.gov/COVID19vaccine.
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