The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded the eligibility of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone 5 years of age and older. CDC now recommends that children ages 5 through 11 years should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. This follows the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration issued earlier this week.
The Virginia Department of Health has adopted the CDC guidance and authorizes providers in Virginia to begin administering the booster dose immediately to eligible children.
In addition, in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases, the CDC has strengthened its recommendation that everyone who is eligible should receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first dose. This includes those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and anyone 50 and older.
Vaccination Records
With the new CDC guidance for booster doses, it’s important for people to know when they completed their initial series so that they can appropriately time a booster. The dates of the initial series and boosters are on your vaccination card issued at the time of the shots. If you received your shots in Virginia and have misplaced the card, you can find the date by searching for your vaccine record online. If you need assistance over the phone, call 866-375-9795. Assistance is available Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Virginia Department of Health has included a scannable QR code on vaccination records. The technology allows anyone vaccinated in Virginia to show proof of vaccination with a digital or printed QR code instead of a paper card.
Where to Get a Vaccine
Loudoun County health officials continue to encourage everyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death. If you have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, consider getting one. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at pharmacies in Loudoun County, including CVS, Walgreens, Giant, Wegmans, Harris Teeter, and others. Call your local pharmacy or visit their website to make an appointment. You may also search for available COVID-19 vaccines at vaccines.gov.
More Information
If you have questions or need assistance finding a COVID-19 vaccination location near you, you may call the COVID-19 information line at 703-737-8300, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Information is also available at loudoun.gov/coronavirus.
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