COVID Vaccinations For Ages 5 To 11 Begin In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in the Fairfax Health District after federal approval.

Vaccinations for the younger age group begin after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 for ages 5 to 11. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met on Nov. 2 to review the vaccine safety data for the age group, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization to include ages 5 to 11. According to the CDC, clinical trials for ages 5 to 11 found vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19. Side effects were mild and similar to those of adults, with the most common being arm pain or redness, fatigue, headache and muscle aches.

The CDC recommends vaccinations for children as a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization or long-term complications from COVID-19, as well as reduce disruptions to in-person education.

While the vaccine is the same brand offered to ages 12 and up and given in two doses 21 days apart, the dosage for ages 5 to 11 is one-third of the dosage for older individuals. Children still develop the same antibody levels as older children and adults receiving the vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines remain only available to adults 18 and older.

In the Fairfax Health District, families will have different options for getting newly eligible children vaccinated. Many pediatric and family practice offices are prepared to offer appointments. Families should contact their child’s healthcare provider.

Other providers that will offer appointments in the coming days are pharmacies, grocery stores, urgent care facilities, Fairfax County Health Department clinics, the Tysons Community Vaccination Center, and Inova Children Vaccination Clinic. At least two pharmacies are scheduling appointments, beginning Saturday at Walgreens and Sunday at CVS. For more options, check back later in the week for a pediatric vaccine search option at vaccines.gov. When looking for an appointment, be sure to choose the Pfizer vaccine for ages 5 to 11.

The health department anticipates not every eligible child will be able to access appointments in the first week as providers receive supply. More appointments will become available in the coming weeks.

There will also be a focus on equity to ensure access for children having difficulty getting an appointment or attending a community site. There will be plans to offer vaccine clinics and some schools and community centers. More details will be announced at a later time.

The Fairfax County Health Department is available to answer questions about COVID-19 vaccines at 703-324-7404, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Fairfax Health District covers Fairfax County, towns of Vienna, Herndon and Clifton, and cities of Falls Church and Fairfax.