Winter Weather To Delay Over 100K Vaccine Doses For Virginia

VIRGINIA — As winter weather affects Virginia and other parts of the U.S., the state's health department expects the weekly shipment of COVID-19 vaccine doses to be delayed.

The Virginia Department of Health anticipates the delay impacts this week's shipment of approximately 106,800 doses to Virginia. The delay is attributed to distribution channels that are shut down in the Midwest and elsewhere. In Virginia, winter weather is expected to linger into Friday.

The delay impacts the vaccine and ancillary supplies with each order. Two percent of Virginia’s providers are experiencing delays for ancillary supply kits. VDH is providing guidance to vaccine providers on how to determine the status of their vaccine and ancillary supply orders.

Additional delays are possible for orders VDH places this week in the case of severe weather affecting distribution. Even if roads are clear in Virginia, the transport of vaccine and ancillary supplies could be delayed in other parts of the U.S.

VDH expects shipments will return to normal once the severe winter weather ends.

In addition, vaccination events scheduled for Thursday or other days may have been postponed. Health departments or other vaccine providers will reschedule and reach out to individuals with directions to reschedule appointments.

The health departments in Fairfax County, Alexandria, Arlington County, Prince William County, and Loudoun County canceled vaccine clinics on Feb. 18 and will allow individuals to reschedule appointments.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Update: 2,304 Additional Cases Reported