Posted 2/17/2021: Governor Northam has signed emergency legislation, which was supported by the VOA, that permits health care professions to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, effective immediately.
The legislation does not entitle health care professionals to receive access to supplies of vaccine or guarantee that health care providers who sign up will fill roles as vaccinators. The legislation does require VDH to establish a process to allow qualified health care professionals to administer the vaccine and to be called on as needed to support the vaccination effort.
Senate Bill 1445 , sponsored by Senator Siobhan S. Dunnavant (R-Henrico) and House Bill 2333, sponsored by Delegate Lamont Bagby (D-Richmond) would permit any qualified and available health care provider in Virginia to volunteer to administer COVID-19 vaccines.
Optometrist will be able to volunteer at vaccination events throughout the state.
Optometrists who want to serve as vaccine administrators should:
- Register with VDH by filling out a provider intent form found here.
- Register and update your information with the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps here
- Complete the provider education trainings available on the VDH website by clicking here