Vaccinations are underway at Virginia Hospital Center.
Healthcare workers at Arlington hospital are receiving some of the first does of the recently-authorized Pfizer vaccine.
The hospital at 1701 N. George Mason Drive administered 500 COVID-19 vaccines yesterday, with another 1,450 doses expected to be administered through Saturday.
“VHC was one of 18 hospitals in Virginia to receive a portion of the initial Pfizer vaccine shipment,” according to a press release, adding that it “was one of the first hospitals in Northern Virginia to secure the necessary equipment to store and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine.”
In all, Virginia is receiving an initial vaccine distribution of nearly a half-million doses, set to go to healthcare workers, first responders and those in long-term care facilities.
“Virginia Hospital Center is thrilled to have this opportunity to vaccinate our front-line workers,” said Rohit Modak, MD, the hospital’s infectious disease chief, in a statement. “While we are definitely not out of the woods just yet, and people should remain vigilant about masking and social distancing guidelines, the arrival of this vaccine brings us hope that we are approaching the end of this pandemic.”
More vaccine is on the way, the hospital says.
“VHC expects to receive an additional shipment of vaccine before the end of the year and will distribute the doses in accordance with CDC and state guidelines,” the press release notes.
On social media, hospital workers expressed their appreciation.
Words are inadequate to express my gratitude for receiving the #covid19 vaccine @VHC_Hospital on this snowy evening #IGotTheShot – hopeful for 2021! pic.twitter.com/HTQZLfnwiR
— Neelima Denduluri (@ndenduluri1) December 17, 2020
VHC released the following video of the vaccine distribution.