Phase 1C Of COVID-19 Vaccinations Starts In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Monday, the Alexandria Health Department announced phase 1c of COVID-19 vaccinations has begun.

The health department is scheduling appointments for phase 1c, which includes certain essential worker groups. Eligible groups are: energy; water, wastewater, and waste removal workers; housing and construction; food service; transportation and logistics; institutions of higher education faculty and staff; finance; information technology and communication; media; legal services; public safety (engineers); and other public health workers).

Residents should register or update their registration information if needed at vaccinate.virginia.gov. Residents who don't have email or internet access can call the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline at 703-746-4988 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Due to recent supply increases, the health department has contacted everyone in phases 1a and 1b who preregistered by March 30 to offer an appointment. The city has enough supply to offer appointments to any preregistered residents in phases 1a, 1b and 1c.

Phase 2, which covers all residents 16 and up, will start by April 18. The health department plans to emphasize large events and access for vulnerable communities.

Those in phases 1a or 1b who preregistered before March 30 and have not received an appointment scheduling invitation should check their email spam folder. If there is no message, complete the health department's form with the email address or phone number used to register as well as date of birth.

Essential workers who registered before March 30 are asked to update their registration record to ensure the employment is listed accurately with a valid street address. For example, a valid street address is "4480 King St.", and not "same as home address."

The health department also plans to launch an updated appointment system to offer more choices for people in phase 2. Residents ages 16 and older will be able to make an appointment directly with pharmacies, grocery stores, and other providers without waiting for a call or email.

According to the health department's dashboard, 40,727 are partially vaccinated as of Sunday (30.6 percent of Alexandrians 16 and up). There are 24,976 fully vaccinated (18.7 percent of Alexandrians 16 and up). The target goal is 80 percent of residents 16 and up, or about 106,618 people.