Virginia to receive fewer vaccines than initially expected

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was informed late Thursday by Operation Warp Speed that, like other states, its estimated allocation of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the next few weeks will be fewer than initially planned.

The state now expects to receive 370,650 doses of vaccine in December 2020 from two manufacturers, Pfizer and Moderna – a decrease of 109,650 from the 480,000 doses previously anticipated. 

Health care personnel (HCP) and long-term care facility (LTCF) residents remain the top priority groups. 

Eighteen Virginia hospitals received initial shipments of the Pfizer vaccine this week, and they began dispersing a total of 72,125 doses to frontline healthcare workers.

An order for 146,400 doses of the Moderna vaccine has already been placed. If the vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), it will begin arriving the week of December 21. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Operation Warp Speed provide regular estimates to states for vaccine distribution planning; these estimates remain subject to change.

The VDH is working closely with the CDC to ensure a smooth and equitable vaccine deployment.