The COVID-19 vaccine is here. You may be wondering, “Is it safe and effective?” Or, “When will I be able to vaccinate myself and my family?”
The Virginia Department of Health and medical experts from across the state joined 8News and anchor Juan Conde for a virtual town hall on Wednesday, Dec. 16, to answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Watch the replay and follow the conversation on social media. Search #VaccinateVirginia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MEET THE MEDICAL EXPERTS

Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton
Physician, University of Virginia in Charlottesville

Dr. Ethlyn McQueen- Gibson
Associate Professor, Hampton University School of Nursing

Dr. Norman Oliver
Virginia State Health Commissioner

Dr. Costi Sifri
Professor, University of Virginia School of Medicine

Dr. Rebecca Vargas-Jackson
Physician Manager, Virginia Department of Emergency Management

- For some who survive COVID-19, beating the virus doesn't mean the end of the fight.
- Nearly a year to the day after the Chinese city of Wuhan went into lockdown to contain a virus that had already escaped, President Joe Biden began putting into effect a new war plan for fighting the outbreak in the U.S., Germany topped 50,000 deaths, and Britain closed in on 100,000.
- Some Richmond Public Schools employees will have to wait just a little bit longer for their COVID-19 vaccination. RPS released a statement on Friday saying the Virginia Department of Health is pushing back appointments due to a national vaccine shortage.
- A petition demanding vaccinations for Chesterfield teachers returning to county classrooms has nearly 4,000 signatures. It's the latest move inside the battle between some county parents and the school board.
- Virginia health officials are working to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine while managing high demand. The state received 300,000 requests in one week but only around a third of that supply is available.
- Mayor Levar Stoney and Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke about how the federal government can help localities fight the COVID-19 outbreak during the United States Conference of Mayors' 89th annual Winter Meeting on Friday.
- Between 150 and 200 National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., to provide security for President Joe Biden's inauguration have tested positive for the coronavirus, a U.S. official said on Friday.
- A bill — still alive in the Virginia House of Delegates — would allow parents or guardians the right to reject a Covid-19 vaccine for their child — based on their religious beliefs.
- From answering 9-1-1 calls and health department hotlines, to passing out meals to families in need — Henrico's school nurses have adapted to whatever is needed while schools are in virtual learning.
- Dr. Danny Avula gave an update on Virginia's current vaccination efforts. Right now the state is distributing 105,000 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations each week, despite a much higher demand.