Inova Health System has canceled all its first-dose appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine, effective January 25, 2021.

In response to a national shortage of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Virginia Department of Health made a modification to their vaccine distribution methods and announced that going forward, vaccines will be sent directly to health districts to be allocated appropriately, according to a statement issue by the health system. As a result, Inova’s allocation of vaccine has been severely diminished, causing it to make the decision to prioritize the available doses.

• Due to these supply limitations, first dose appointments are canceled as of January 26, 2021 for the foreseeable future.

• Those who received a first dose from Inova and are scheduled for a second dose appointment with them will be prioritized at this time and their appointments will be honored.

The statement said that when Inova receives more supply inventory, it will first prioritize patients who had an appointment scheduled and then focus on opening further appointments up to eligible groups. To date, the health system has administered more than 70,000. 

Source:  Inova Health System