COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In Mount Vernon Area

FORT HUNT, VA — Booster shots, available at pharmacies/clinics in greater Mount Vernon, are the best defense against COVID-19 illnesses as the omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads across the country, according to health officials.

Breakthrough COVID-19 cases from the omicron variant — infections among the vaccinated — are less common among people who have received their third vaccination shots, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The omicron variant, first reported in South Africa on Nov. 24, has been detected in all but a handful of states, including Virginia.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, said Friday the Pfizer and Moderna booster shots work well against the omicron variant and that there’s no need for a specific vaccine to fight it.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the omicron variant is likely to become the dominant coronavirus strain in the coming weeks. It currently represents 3 percent of new infections.

Public health officials are concerned that vaccination rates — currently 61 percent of eligible Americans are fully vaccinated, and only 28 percent have gotten booster shots — are insufficient to fend off a fifth wave of the coronavirus. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing, with about 120,000 new cases and 1,200 deaths reported each day, mainly from the delta variant.

To get a booster shot around Mount Vernon, look for appointments at:

• Fairfax County Health Department clinics
• Walgreens: 7968 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308; 7629 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306; 6717 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306
• Safeway Pharmacy: 7900 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308; 8646 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309
• Costco: 7940 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306
• Walmart: 7910 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306; 6303 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306
• CVS Pharmacy: 3117 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22306; 1636 Belle View Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22307; 8628 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309; 6600 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306
• Giant Pharmacy: 6800 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306

The CDC says Pfizer and Moderna booster shots both provide increased protection against COVID-19 and helped prevent severe symptoms in breakthrough cases.

Boosters of the Pfizer and Moderna can be obtained at least six months after the last dose. Johnson & Johnson boosters can be obtained at least two months after the first dose. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters are only available for adults; Pfizer boosters are recommended for people 16 and up. There are no current boosters recommended for children aged 5 to 15.