Get In Line Now For Your COVID-19 Vaccination
On Monday, January 11, 2021, the Virginia Department of Health launched a user-friendly online portal where people can find out in what phase they are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you sign up, the Department of Health says it will notify you when you become eligible for vaccination.
We know that, currently, under level 1A, people who live or work in nursing homes or group homes are already eligible, as are healthcare workers. Phase 1B started the same day, and adds public safety, teachers, transit workers, grocery store workers, etc. Then age. We know those over 75 are eligible now. Those in 1A or 1B looking to schedule their vaccines now can do so via the vaccination pre-screen online.
Next in the que is 1C and a whole list of medical conditions that may give you preferred standing for eligibility.
What comes next might surprise you. These jobs fall into phase 1C because they involve interface with the public: energy, housing construction, transportation, finance, media, engineers, water and wastewater, food service, higher education, IT, legal services, and other public health workers. People in these professions will be eligible before the general population.
If you are an employer, take note. If you fall into one of the categories above, your employees could get in line for relatively early vaccination (within the next few months). The EEOC has already opined that most employers have the right to require most employees to get vaccinated if the employer wants to impose that rule. (There are exceptions for medical and religious reasons.) Even if employers don’t want to require vaccination, they should encourage it. Pass to your employees the information about eligibility. Urge them to sign up in the portal and get their place in line.
Most importantly, though, remember until the pandemic is under control, wear a mask, keep your distance, and stay home if you are sick. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s all try to make it there.
