BREAKING NEWS
New Covid vaccines available at local CVS locations
Read full article: New Covid vaccines available at local CVS locationsNewly updated covid vaccines that protect against the current variant are now available in Southwest Virginia at CVS locations. WSLS 10 anchor and health reporter Rachel Lucas talked to expert about the vaccine while receiving her updated shot.
Virginia health expert says student vaccine uptake needs improvement
Read full article: Virginia health expert says student vaccine uptake needs improvementA troubling trend when it comes to back-to-school health, local experts said child vaccination rates are lower than what they should be in Virginia.
VDH responds to CDC recommendation of COVID-19 vaccine for children as young as 6 months
Read full article: VDH responds to CDC recommendation of COVID-19 vaccine for children as young as 6 monthsThe Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months, clearing the way for vaccinations to begin soon.
WATCH: Gov. Youngkin releases a PSA encouraging Virginians get COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: WATCH: Gov. Youngkin releases a PSA encouraging Virginians get COVID-19 vaccineWhile doubling down on not issuing any future COVID-19 vaccine mandates, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin released a public service announcement encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against the virus.
Navy discharges 1st active-duty sailors for COVID-19 vaccine refusal
Read full article: Navy discharges 1st active-duty sailors for COVID-19 vaccine refusalThe Navy said Tuesday that it has discharged 23 active duty sailors for refusing the coronavirus vaccine, marking the first time it has thrown currently serving sailors out of the military over the mandatory shots.
New River Valley vaccine clinic keeps children’s comfort in mind while receiving COVID-19 shot
Read full article: New River Valley vaccine clinic keeps children’s comfort in mind while receiving COVID-19 shotGetting any kind of shot can be scary, especially for kids. This is why a local pharmacy is taking steps to not make the process so frightening.
Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations now available for kids at Roanoke Community Vaccine Center
Read full article: Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations now available for kids at Roanoke Community Vaccine CenterStarting Tuesday, the community vaccination center (CVC) in Roanoke began accepting walk-ins for both adults and children.
Kids in Roanoke receive first shot of Pfizer’s low-dose COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Kids in Roanoke receive first shot of Pfizer’s low-dose COVID-19 vaccineChildren ages 5 to 11 are now eligible for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. The Virginia Department of Health is offered the shot for the first time Thursday.
Nearly 400,000 Virginians received a booster for the COVID-19 vaccine so far
Read full article: Nearly 400,000 Virginians received a booster for the COVID-19 vaccine so farNearly 2.2 million people nationwide are now eligible to receive COVID booster shots after the CDC authorized extra doses of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s vaccines Thursday night.
Here’s how to make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot in Virginia
Read full article: Here’s how to make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot in VirginiaThe Virginia Department of Health has made it easy for the millions of more people now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot to get one.
What the COVID-19 vaccine could mean for kids 5-11
Read full article: What the COVID-19 vaccine could mean for kids 5-11On Wednesday, the White House Administration announced its plan to rollout COVID-19 vaccines if and when they’re authorized for children ages 5-11. The move was met with mixed reactions from parents.
Salem teenager still sick after getting six doses of Pfizer COVID vaccine at CVS
Read full article: Salem teenager still sick after getting six doses of Pfizer COVID vaccine at CVS17-year-old Ellacia Destura is closely monitoring her symptoms since she says she went to CVS on Chestnut Street in Salem to get her COVID-19 vaccine.
Virginia mom files petition asking state to mandate COVID-19 vaccines in schools
Read full article: Virginia mom files petition asking state to mandate COVID-19 vaccines in schoolsA petition is asking Virginia Department of Health officials to mandate coronavirus vaccines for eligible students and staff in public schools across the Commonwealth.
‘I was just really shocked’: 911 call reveals moments after Salem teen gets six COVID vaccine doses
Read full article: ‘I was just really shocked’: 911 call reveals moments after Salem teen gets six COVID vaccine dosesThere are more details coming to light after a Salem teenager claims she got six doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine last week.
Salem teenager claims CVS accidentally gave her six doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Salem teenager claims CVS accidentally gave her six doses of the COVID-19 vaccineA 17-year-old girl is speaking out after she says she was given six times the normal dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy in Salem.
NBA draws line as stars like Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins balk at Covid vaccine
Read full article: NBA draws line as stars like Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins balk at Covid vaccineFour years after he challenged social norms and science by admitting he believes that the Earth is flat, Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is once again generating headlines -- and controversy -- with his refusal to get the Covid-19 vaccination, even though he risks losing millions as a result of his stance.
United Airlines to fire nearly 600 employees for refusing COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: United Airlines to fire nearly 600 employees for refusing COVID-19 vaccineUnited Airlines confirmed they are in the process of firing close to 600 employees who did not comply with their companywide coronavirus vaccine mandate.
Southwest Virginia hospitals, first responders call on the community to slow spread of COVID
Read full article: Southwest Virginia hospitals, first responders call on the community to slow spread of COVIDAs COVID-19 cases rise across Southwest Virginia, local Fire-EMS agencies and hospitals are asking for help from the community to stop the spread.
‘We’re seeing Delta really ravage our community’: Health officials continue push for COVID-19 vaccines
Read full article: ‘We’re seeing Delta really ravage our community’: Health officials continue push for COVID-19 vaccinesMany months ago, before vaccines were wildly available, COVID-19 cases were at historic levels, according to health officials.
New River Valley could see Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for young children by October
Read full article: New River Valley could see Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for young children by OctoberChildren may soon roll up their sleeves now that Pfizer announces its coronavirus vaccine is effective for children between the ages of 5 and 11.
Texas women attacked hostess at popular NYC restaurant after she asked for COVID-19 vaccine status
Read full article: Texas women attacked hostess at popular NYC restaurant after she asked for COVID-19 vaccine statusA hostess at a popular New York City restaurant was assaulted by three women from Texas after she asked for proof they had been vaccinated against COVID-19, police said.
Virginia may be the 10th most vaccinated state, but locally, against COVID-19, there’s work to be done
Read full article: Virginia may be the 10th most vaccinated state, but locally, against COVID-19, there’s work to be doneA new study finds that Virginia is the 10th most vaccinated state in the country.
Liberty University sees more than 200 people get first dose at COVID-19 vaccine clinic
Read full article: Liberty University sees more than 200 people get first dose at COVID-19 vaccine clinicLiberty University attempted to slow the on-campus spread of the Delta variant by hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for students, faculty, and staff.
Danville Public Schools to require COVID-19 vaccine or testing for students in extracurricular activities
Read full article: Danville Public Schools to require COVID-19 vaccine or testing for students in extracurricular activitiesDanville school leaders are taking action in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools.
Virginia to provide third dose of Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised people
Read full article: Virginia to provide third dose of Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised peopleThe Virginia Department of Health announced that the Commonwealth will make third doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised people this month.
Research shows recent increase in pregnant women getting vaccinated against COVID-19
Read full article: Research shows recent increase in pregnant women getting vaccinated against COVID-19Health experts continue to urge people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as case numbers continue to rise across the country.
Roanoke & Alleghany Health Districts see increase in breakthrough COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations
Read full article: Roanoke & Alleghany Health Districts see increase in breakthrough COVID-19 cases, hospitalizationsAs COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District are following a similar trend.
WATCH: Gov. Ralph Northam, Dr. Anthony Fauci address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Virginia
Read full article: WATCH: Gov. Ralph Northam, Dr. Anthony Fauci address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in VirginiaThe Virginia Department of Health is hosting a virtual conversation with Gov. Ralph Northam, Dr. Anthony Fauci and various healthcare providers across the Commonwealth regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy Tuesday evening.
Unvaccinated are 25x more likely to be hospitalized from Delta variant, say health experts
Read full article: Unvaccinated are 25x more likely to be hospitalized from Delta variant, say health expertsAs cases from the Delta variant of COVID-19 continue to rise, health officials are sounding the alarm.
Alabama doctor tells unvaccinated COVID patients begging for vaccine: ‘It’s too late’
Read full article: Alabama doctor tells unvaccinated COVID patients begging for vaccine: ‘It’s too late’A doctor in Alabama pleaded on Facebook this week for Covid-19 skeptics to get vaccinated — unlike some of her patients who paid the ultimate price.
All children should wear masks in school despite vaccination status, pediatrics group says
Read full article: All children should wear masks in school despite vaccination status, pediatrics group saysNew guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics said everyone older than 2 years of age should wear masks at school this fall, whether they’re vaccinated against COVID-19 or not.
Changes to your menstrual cycle? Sore eyes? We asked a doctor about ‘strange’ COVID vaccine side effects
Read full article: Changes to your menstrual cycle? Sore eyes? We asked a doctor about ‘strange’ COVID vaccine side effectsIf you received your COVID-19 vaccine, you likely knew about what to expect in terms of side effects: Perhaps a mild headache, chills or body aches, a slight fever, a sore arm or maybe a bit of fatigue.
Southwest Virginia health leaders warn of highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant
Read full article: Southwest Virginia health leaders warn of highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variantAs the push to vaccinate more Virginians continues, local health leaders are warning of a new variant of COVID-19 believed to spread more quickly.
Southwest Virginia health districts work to increase COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of July 4th goal
Read full article: Southwest Virginia health districts work to increase COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of July 4th goalAs state leaders celebrate hitting President Joe Biden’s July 4th goal to get 70% of adults vaccinated, local health leaders say there is still work to be done.
New vaccine clinic targets truckers, travelers at White’s Travel Center
Read full article: New vaccine clinic targets truckers, travelers at White’s Travel CenterA new strategy to get more Virginians vaccinated has begun: a vaccine clinic, not far off the beaten path at White’s Travel Center in Raphine.
Nearly 150 pharmacies across Virginia to expand COVID-19 vaccination hours
Read full article: Nearly 150 pharmacies across Virginia to expand COVID-19 vaccination hoursNow that 70% of adults in Virginia have received at least one COVID-19 shot, the VDH is hoping to raise that number by making vaccination hours more accessible.
Virginia Tech requiring COVID-19 vaccination for students ahead of fall semester
Read full article: Virginia Tech requiring COVID-19 vaccination for students ahead of fall semesterVirginia Tech is among some of the Virginia universities requiring its students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus.
Roanoke church gives out free hot dogs with COVID-19 vaccinations
Read full article: Roanoke church gives out free hot dogs with COVID-19 vaccinationsTo reach those left in Southwest Virginia who are not vaccinated but perhaps on the fence about it, health and community leaders are getting creative and taking their efforts straight to this group.
Roanoke Valley organization offering rides to COVID-19 vaccination clinics for seniors
Read full article: Roanoke Valley organization offering rides to COVID-19 vaccination clinics for seniorsHelping more seniors get a dose of the coronavirus vaccine, the Local Office on Aging in Roanoke is offering free rides to vaccination clinics.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? What you need to know on the National Vaccine Day of Action
Read full article: Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? What you need to know on the National Vaccine Day of ActionFriday, June 4, marks the beginning of the National Month of Action with the goal of getting 70% of U.S. adults at least one COVID-19 shot by July 4.
Experts reporting slower coronavirus vaccianation rates among 18 to 34-year-olds
Read full article: Experts reporting slower coronavirus vaccianation rates among 18 to 34-year-oldsPeople between the ages of 18 to 34 are now more likely to be hospitalized with the coronavirus after noticing a slower vaccination rate.
New River Valley health director says return to a ‘normal’ summer is near
Read full article: New River Valley health director says return to a ‘normal’ summer is nearWith coronavirus transmission and case numbers low in the New River Valley, residents are on track to a more promising return to a normal summer, according to the health director.
Faced with anti-vaccination parents, teens are helping one another get Covid shots
Read full article: Faced with anti-vaccination parents, teens are helping one another get Covid shotsThe Gen Zer from Ohio who made a splash two years ago for defying his mother to get his childhood immunizations has a message for teenagers seeking Covid-19 vaccinations and getting pushback from their parents — get one if you can.
Big gaps in vaccine rates across the US worry health experts
Read full article: Big gaps in vaccine rates across the US worry health expertsA distinct geographic pattern has emerged in the U.S. drive to vanquish the coronavirus: The highest vaccination rates are concentrated in the Northeast, while the lowest ones are mostly in the South.
Organizations across Southwest, Central Virginia tackling COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Read full article: Organizations across Southwest, Central Virginia tackling COVID-19 vaccine hesitancyHealth leaders across Southwest and Central Virginia are seeing a drop in demand of those interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
New River Health District’s COVID-19 vaccine plans as FDA expands Pfizer for kids 12-15
Read full article: New River Health District’s COVID-19 vaccine plans as FDA expands Pfizer for kids 12-15Cases are down across the New River Health District and vaccinations are up. And now, children 12 and up are eligible to get a COVID vaccine, which means the new “normal” is closer than ever before.
Nearly 100 Roanoke students vaccinated through district-hosted COVID vaccine clinic
Read full article: Nearly 100 Roanoke students vaccinated through district-hosted COVID vaccine clinicAs Governor Ralph Northam continues to urge Virginians to get a COVID-19 vaccine, Roanoke City Public Schools kicked off its first vaccine clinic for eligible students.
Controversy over waiving COVID-19 vaccine patents
Read full article: Controversy over waiving COVID-19 vaccine patentsAn assistant professor of public health at Hollins University shares his thoughts about members of the World Trade Organization proposing to waive patents to Covid-19 vaccines and treatments to help in the fight against the virus.
‘I don’t feel like a prisoner anymore’: Roanoke COVID vaccine clinic held for people with disabilities
Read full article: ‘I don’t feel like a prisoner anymore’: Roanoke COVID vaccine clinic held for people with disabilitiesThe Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts held a COVID-19 vaccine clinic specifically for people with disabilities Wednesday.
Southwest Virginia health districts work to rebuild trust in Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine
Read full article: Southwest Virginia health districts work to rebuild trust in Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccineAfter federal officials lifted a recommended pause on the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, local health departments are working to help the public regain trust in the only one-shot dose available
Virginia to resume use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
Read full article: Virginia to resume use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccineVirginia health officials have told providers to immediately resume their use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after federal agencies lifted a pause on the vaccine
VDH and DCLS launch dashboard for COVID-19 variants of concern
Read full article: VDH and DCLS launch dashboard for COVID-19 variants of concernWith COVID-19 variants circulating around the the world, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced a new way to keep track of them in the commonwealth.
Southwest Virginia health districts to focus on those still hesitant with community vaccination events
Read full article: Southwest Virginia health districts to focus on those still hesitant with community vaccination eventsLocal health leaders say going into the community will be their final shot to convince those hesitant to get their shot.
Vaccine hesitancy becoming rising problem in the New River Health District
Read full article: Vaccine hesitancy becoming rising problem in the New River Health DistrictThere are signs of hope for the New River Health District as coronavirus cases continue to decline, but new fears are deterring people from getting their vaccine or missing their second dose.