COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them Around Kingstowne

KINGSTOWNE, VA — Booster shots, available at pharmacies and clinics around Kingstowne, 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 Kingstowne, look for appointments at:

• Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150, lower level between Macy's and Dick's Sporting Goods
• Fairfax County Health Department clinics
• Safeway Pharmacy: 5980 Kingstowne Towne Center, Alexandria, VA 22315; 6130 Rose Hill Dr, Alexandria, VA 22310
• Walmart: 5885 Kingstowne Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22315
• Giant Pharmacy: 5870 Kingstowne Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22315
• CVS Pharmacy: 6150 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310; 6400 Landsdowne Centre Dr, Alexandria, VA 22315; 6600 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150; 6436 Springfield Blvd, Springfield, VA 22150
• Walgreens: 7100 Silver Lake Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22315; 6100 Rose Hill Dr, Alexandria, VA 22310
• Costco: 7373 Boston Blvd, Springfield, VA 22153

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.