Vaccine Eligibility Opens To Residents 16 And Up In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Monday, the Alexandria Health Department opened up COVID-19 vaccine to everyone aged 16 and older.

Alexandria started phase 2 a week before the April 18 deadline Gov. Ralph Northam set for localities to expand eligibility. It appears to be the first Northern Virginia locality to start phase 2, as others are working through essential workers eligible in phase 1c.

According to the health department, many preregistered individuals received an invitation to schedule an appointment for as soon as this week. Eligible residents in phases 1a, 1b and 1c will still be prioritized for vaccinations.

"We’re excited to offer vaccine appointments to more Alexandria residents and essential workers ahead of schedule," said Acting Health Director Dr. Anne Gaddy, who replaced Dr. Stephen Haering after his retirement. "This is a big step toward reaching herd immunity and protecting our community."

While more people are eligible, appointment availability continues to depend on vaccine supply. The health department estimates it could take several months to vaccinate all residents 16 and older who want to be vaccinated.

While there isn't a set percentage for herd immunity, the health department is aiming to vaccinate 80 percent of Alexandria residents 16 and older. According to the health department's dashboard, 45,709 are partially vaccinated as of Sunday (34.3 percent of Alexandrians 16 and up). There are 29,252 fully vaccinated (21.9 percent of Alexandrians 16 and up).

Alexandria residents can preregister for the vaccine at vaccinate.virginia.gov. Those needing assistance can contact the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline at 703-746-4988 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Those who signed up in phases 1a, 1b or 1c and do not have an appointment scheduling invitation should check their email spam folder. If there is no message, complete the health department's form for a status update.