Norfolk, Virginia — Today, Governor Ralph Northam visited the FEMA-supported Community Vaccination Center located at the Military Circle Mall to announce the official opening of the mass vaccination site. Together with the Virginia Department Emergency Management, the Virginia Department of Health, volunteer organizations and 135 sailors, the goal is to vaccinate about 3,000 residents a day from the Hampton Roads area.
During the visit, which included a tour of the facilities, meeting with federal, state, and local officials, and a question and answer session with the media, Governor Northam emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated, adding that “the COVID vaccines are the way we end this pandemic and get back to a normal life, which is why we are all working to vaccinate people as quickly as possible,” he said. “This new FEMA vaccination clinic will speed up that process for one of our more populous regions, and for some of our most vulnerable communities, and we are grateful for the support. It will take all of us working together like this to defeat this virus.”
FEMA Region 3 Regional Administrator (Acting) Janice Barlow also shared insights on how the Norfolk center aims to ensure that vaccination efforts are carried out in an efficient, effective and equitable manner.
“We are working closely with our local and Commonwealth partners to support all outreach efforts. Through targeted messaging to community-based organizations, local media and radio stations and private sector partners we are raising awareness of the ongoing vaccination activities for residents in the area,” said Barlow.
The Community Vaccination Center serves residents by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Those interested in receiving their COVID-19 vaccine can schedule their appointment online at vaccinate.virginia.gov or they may call 1-877-829-4682.
All community members with an appointment are welcome at the vaccination center. Reasonable accommodation for people with access and functional needs is available as well as information and onsite interpretation in a variety of languages, including American Sign Language.
So far, FEMA has provided more than $4.47 billion to 42 states, Washington D.C., four tribes and five territories for expenses related to COVID-19 vaccination at 100 percent federal cost share. Of this amount, over $253 million has been allocated for Virginia. These funds cover critical supplies, staffing, training and transportation needs that support increased vaccination efforts.
For more on the ongoing vaccination efforts in Virginia, visit fema.gov/disaster/4512 or vaemergency.gov.