Vaccine Doses Limited In Fairfax, Inova Cancels Some Appointments

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — After a wait list for vaccinations formed in Fairfax County due to limited doses, officials say vaccinations will need to be rolled back at the health department and Inova Health System. As of Tuesday, Jan, 26, Inova Health System is canceling first dose appointments due to limited supplies.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said in letter to residents that federal and state changes mean fewer doses allocated to the county. At the federal level, shortages of the vaccine mean Virginia is now receiving 105,000 doses per week. The Fairfax Health District, which covers Fairfax County and the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax, alone had been receiving 22,000 doses and has 168,000 residents eligible for a vaccine.

At the state level, McKay says distribution is being changed to per capita instead of the amounts counties and hospitals have ordered. That means the county is expected to receive less doses.

Inova's first dose cancellations were tied to the state change in distribution. The health system said in a statement that the Virginia Department of Health is now sending vaccines directly to health districts to be allocated as they see fit, which has diminished Inova's supply.

Individuals who already received the first dose will be prioritized for their second dose appointment. Inova says it will reschedule first dose appointments as soon as possible.

The Inova cancellations affect Fairfax County Public Schools employees, who started to vaccinations through the health system on Jan. 16. First dose appointments for FCPS employees are canceled as of Jan. 26.

"We understand and share the frustration that this news brings to our patients," Inova said in the statement. "When we receive more supply inventory, we will first prioritize patients who had an appointment scheduled and then focus on opening further appointments up to eligible groups. If you are a patient whose appointment is cancelled, rest assured we are working diligently to identify new supply and will reach out to reschedule your appointment as soon as we are confident we have a vaccine for you."

McKay said the health department will continue to work through its own wait list. The health department will first prioritize the over 50,000 individuals are 75 and up who were registered before phase 1b was expanded to 65 and up and people with underlying conditions. Vaccination clinics will continue for public safety personnel and people living in correctional facilities and homeless shelters. People who preregistered for the vaccine do not need to register again and will be notified when their vaccination appointment can be scheduled.

"Sadly we could vaccinate tens of thousands more people than we are, if we have the vaccine coming in," McKay wrote. "This is especially sad because the Board of Supervisors has invested every resource we have into this effort, as those who have already been able to be vaccinated can attest. We have a very efficient, well-run program that now has to be slowed down."

As of Tuesday, Fairfax County led the state with 60,488 doses given and 6,376 people fully vaccinated, according to VDH. The county has a population over 1 million.

For more information on the vaccine from the Fairfax County Health Department, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus/vaccine.