COVID Boosters Expanded To Ages 5 To 11 At Alexandria Providers

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After federal approvals, the Alexandria Health Department and other providers are offering the COVID-19 vaccine booster to children aged 5 to 11.

Eligibility for a booster dose of the vaccine was expanded after approvals by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. CDC recommends children aged 5 to 11 receive a booster of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least five months after the initial two-dose series. The pediatric dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine available to this age group.

"Vaccination with a primary series among this age group has lagged behind other age groups leaving them vulnerable to serious illness," said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC director, in a statement. "With over 18 million doses administered in this age group, we know that these vaccines are safe, and we must continue to increase the number of children who are protected."

CDC also strengthened its recommendation for a second booster for immunocompromised people ages 12 and older and adults 50 and older. This second dose is recommended at least four months after the first booster dose. CDC has an online tool to determine if a person should get a booster.

The recommendations came as COVID-19 cases increase across the U.S. In Virginia, the latest seven-day average of daily cases is 3,308, according to Virginia Department of Health data. A month ago on April 23, the seven-day average of cases across the state was 1,183.

Hospitalizations are slightly up but not nearly to the levels of the winter omicron surge. Virginia's current seven-day average of current COVID-19 hospitalizations is 429, including 55 in intensive care units and 23 on ventilators. according to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.

In Alexandria, 55.2 percent of children ages 5 to 11 are fully vaccinated with two doses, and 63.3 percent have at least one dose, according to Virginia Department of Health data.

Options for booster appointments for children ages 5 to 11 include the child's medical provider, Alexandria Health Department clinics, and pharmacies. COVID-19 boosters may be given at the same time or any time in between other immunizations. A parent or guardian must provide consent for a minor to receive a vaccine.

Residents may search for vaccine providers at www.vaccines.gov. Assistance in finding a vaccine is available at the Alexandria COVID-19 hotline weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., by calling 703-746-4988.