CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The Chesterfield Health District has launched an online tool to help residents pre-register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
While the tool does not reserve a vaccine, it does collect contact information, so the Virginia Department of Health can contact residents to make an appointment once the vaccine is available.
Those who are in Phase 1a or 1b can now pre-register online. Phase 1b includes police, fire, corrections, homeless shelter workers, as well as teachers and childcare workers.
Chesterfield Health District Director Dr. Alexander Samuel said the new tool will help the department expedite the vaccine process.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work quickly and efficiently to get the vaccine into the arms of our residents.” Samuel said. “It is critical that as many residents as possible use the online tool."
Samuel is also encouraging residents to help pre-register their loved ones who have limited or no computer resources.
"If you are not computer savvy, please ask a friend, a relative, or a neighbor to help you. The tool will gather the contact information for those ready and willing to get their vaccine, so that when a new clinic is open, we can quickly notify individuals to make an appointment. It will be a two-step process,” he continued.
Health officials ask those who have pre-registered to be patient, as vaccine demand is extraordinarily high and supplies are limited.
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"Those who provide their contact information may not receive a return call or email for days or weeks, and may not get a vaccine appointment for weeks or even months," said a CHD spokesperson.
"Please do not pre-register multiple times or leave multiple messages. Doing so will only cause delays or prevent others from getting a vaccine."
Individuals can pre-register online or by calling (804) 318-8207. Officials say they highly recommend individuals pre-resister online as their phone systems have been completely overwhelmed.