Preparing for the COVID-19 Vaccine

Velocity Urgent Care is Preparing for the COVID-19 Vaccine

Velocity Urgent Care is Preparing for the COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 pandemic is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Without a vaccine or viable cure, that isn’t going to change anytime soon. Fortunately, the world’s best and brightest researchers are working tirelessly to develop a vaccine for COVID-19.

When it arrives, the vaccine will be a major part of returning to what life was like before the pandemic.

Velocity Urgent Care plans to be at the forefront of that process.

As a healthcare leader in Virginia, we strive to be a valuable COVID-19 resource for the individuals, families, and companies in our communities. To be clear, the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t available just yet. However, it is on the horizon.

We are working to ensure that our urgent care locations will be equipped to receive and deliver the COVID-19 vaccine when it arrives.

COVID-19 Vaccine Timeline

Most Americans only started to get informed about the COVID-19 pandemic in March. However, scientists have been working on developing a vaccine since January. There are currently 44 clinical trials testing various versions of a COVID-19 vaccine in humans. Top names in the pharmaceutical world like Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca are leading the way alongside innovative companies like Moderna and Inovio.

There are a few different approaches to the COVID-19 vaccine. Some companies are pursuing a more traditional immunization that uses dead virus particles like a flu vaccine. Others are opting for an mRNA approach that directs the body to produce antibodies against the novel coronavirus. The latter is a faster and cheaper way to produce vaccines, making it an attractive option in light of the current pandemic.

It remains unclear when a finalized COVID-19 vaccine will be available to the public. U.S. government officials have claimed that it could arrive as soon as the end of the year while others are projecting a date sometime in the first half of 2021. Given the many aspects that go into vaccine trials, it’s impossible to determine an exact date.

That being said, a COVID-19 vaccine is indeed on the way. Hospitals, health departments, and urgent care clinics across the country are preparing to vaccinate millions of Americans.

Can I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine at Urgent Care?

The short answer, for now, is not yet. However, that will change in the coming months as a vaccine becomes available. As mentioned, Velocity Urgent Care is working hard to ensure that we will have access to doses of the vaccine when it is finalized.

We will keep you updated when that time comes.

Once COVID-19 vaccines become available, urgent care centers will be the perfect place to go. With Velocity Urgent Care, you can skip the line by checking in remotely and waiting in your car if you choose. We offer text message updates so you know exactly when to come in. Our clinics are also conveniently located and offer hours designed to fit your busy schedule.

What Other COVID-19 Resources Does Velocity Urgent Care Offer?

Since the very start of the pandemic, Velocity Urgent Care has been at the forefront of the response in the communities we serve. That includes offering services like testing and office visits for those who feel sick and those who just want peace of mind.

We recently expanded our COVID-19 rapid testing. This means anyone can come to one of our facilities, get tested, and receive their results within 15 minutes. We also offer antibody testing for people who want to determine if they were previously infected with COVID-19. The test consists of a simple blood draw and a brief exam at one of our clinics.

Since March, Velocity Urgent Care has performed nearly 100,000 COVID-19 tests. That’s just one way we are committed to helping our communities get through this pandemic.

What Else Does Velocity Urgent Care Offer?

Although COVID-19 is stealing the spotlight, other illnesses and injuries are still occurring. Flu season is coming up and cooler weather means an increase in injuries like frostbite, falls, and various strains and sprains.

Velocity Urgent Care is a terrific resource for COVID-19. However, we also offer year-round services for non-COVID-19 injuries and illnesses. All of our locations offer no-appointment-necessary visits with licensed, caring providers who can treat most non-emergent conditions.

We offer lab services and digital x-rays on-site and our providers can prescribe medications to help get you on the road to recovery. If your injury or illness is too severe to handle in the urgent care setting, we can refer you to a specialist thanks to our partnership with Sentara Healthcare.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking serious safety precautions to ensure that our locations are as clean as possible. We’ve put strict sterilization protocols into place and are carefully handling patients who may be contagious to ensure that each one of our clinics is safe for those who need urgent medical care or testing.

Don’t put your health at risk by waiting to seek out treatment!

Velocity Urgent Care is an in-network provider for most major insurance plans, meaning you can be seen for the cost of your co-pay and deductible. All of our locations also accept Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare. Veterans Administration beneficiaries are also welcome.