Health department: Please get a vaccine

The two Virginia Department of Health districts serving the coalfield region continue to urge residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Some other virus treatments also are available in limited supplies, the health department explained in a Monday press release.

“Throughout the Southwest region, COVID-19 numbers continue to rise meaning the need for both vaccines and other COVID-19 treatments have also increased,” the release notes.

Local health department offices offer vaccines by appointment only, except in the case of special vaccination clinics.

To schedule an appointment locally, call 328-8000. You also can go to https://vase.vdh.virginia.gov/ and enter your ZIP code.

Other COVID-19 treatments that are available in limited quantities may include monoclonal antibodies and antiviral medications. The health department advises consulting your health care provider before considering these treatments.

To find a local pharmacy that provides them, go to https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/mabs/covid-19-treatment-locator/ and contact the pharmacy to see if medication is in stock.

VACCINE CLINICS

The health department is working with Dollar General stores to offer no-cost vaccination clinics on two upcoming Saturdays:

• Feb. 5, 1-4 p.m., Dungannon.

• Feb. 12, 1-4 p.m., 304 E. Fifth St. N., Big Stone Gap.

First, second, additional primary and booster doses will be available, including the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for those 18 and older and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for age five and older.

Also, children ages five to 11 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised can get a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine 28 days after the second dose.

Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.