Vaccine and Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions, Part 1
The Fairfax County Health Department has received many vaccine–related inquiries, so below are a few of the most frequently asked questions that have been posed by residents over the past few days. (See our FAQ Part 1 here)
For background, Fairfax County follows vaccine rollout guidance from the Virginia Department of Health. The county entered phase 1B (including residents age 75+ and initial groups of front-line essential workers) on Jan. 11. This phase is running concurrent with phase 1a. The Health Department’s ongoing capacity to schedule registered individuals for vaccine will remain contingent on supply we receive from the state.
How do I register for the COVID-19 vaccine?
Information about how to sign up is available online – specifically the drop-down menu “How do I get vaccinated if I’m eligible.” To get an appointment, adults age 75 and older can either call 703-324-7404 during the hours listed on the site or fill out the pre-screening form available there. The prescreening form webpage explains what information residents should be prepared to share, including contact information, demographics, medical history, etc. When residents use the phone option, they will be assisted in filling out the same registration over the phone. If they complete the online form, they will be contacted to schedule an appointment. This form will be updated soon to allow residents to schedule a time themselves online if they meet the requirements.
Is it better to use the online form, call or both?
Although the online form is the preferred option, residents should use whichever method is most appropriate for them. You do not need to do both. If you have completed the online form, a Health Department representative will contact you to schedule your appointment.
I pre-registered online yesterday but did not call. Is that OK?
Yes, that is OK. The Health Department will contact you to schedule an appointment. It may take few weeks to get through the 1B phase, but your registration is in queue and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment as vaccine supply and appointments become available.
When can someone who submitted their information online expect to receive a call?
If someone has submitted their information online, the Health Department will contact the individual to schedule an appointment. It will take a number of weeks to get through the 1B phase, but the registration is in queue and the individual will be contacted to schedule an appointment as vaccine supply and appointments become available.
How do I schedule my second appointment for the vaccine?
For individuals who are receiving the vaccination from the Health Department, you will receive an email alerting you it is time to schedule your second appointment. For individuals who receive their vaccination from clinics, you will receive information directly from your employer (for frontline essential workers) or agency (for individuals living in correctional institutions).
When will individuals in the next phase be eligible for the vaccine?
It will take several weeks to months to vaccinate Virginians who fall into Phase 1B. The ability to schedule appointments will depend on vaccine availability. The latest information about who is currently eligible is available on our website. More details about populations age 65+, announced by Gov. Northam today, will be available soon.
Where are you vaccinating people?
The Fairfax County Health Department is currently offering vaccinations at five locations throughout the county Tuesday-Saturday. Residents will be notified where to go when they schedule their appointment.
More information about vaccine rollout can be found on our website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19.
Stay Informed
- Call our Health Department Call Center at 703-267-3511 with Coronavirus questions; open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
- Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19; text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777 for updates in Spanish.
- Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 6 p.m.
- Visit a web portal for coronavirus that serves as a one-stop online resource for information.
- Learn more about COVID-19 on the Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage or FAQ page.
- Follow the Fairfax County Government Facebook Page and Health Department Facebook Page.
- Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter.
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