COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In McLean

MCLEAN, VA — Booster shots, available at pharmacies/clinics in McLean, 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 McLean, look for appointments at:

• Tysons Community Vaccination Center: Former Lord & Taylor store (first floor), 7950 Tysons Corner Center, McLean VA 22102
• Safeway Pharmacy: 6244 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101; 1688 Anderson Road, McLean, VA 22102
• Giant Pharmacy: 1454 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101
• CVS Pharmacy: 1452 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101
• Walgreens: 1312 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101
• Walmart: 1500 B Cornerside Boulevard, Vienna, VA 22182
• Fairfax County Health Department clinics

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.