COVID Booster Eligibility Expanded To Ages 12 To 15 In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — COVID-19 booster shots are now available to children aged 12 to 15 in Alexandria after federal and state recommendation.

The Virginia Department of Health announced the expanded eligibility Thursday following recommendation from the CDC and authorization from the FDA. Previously VDH said children aged 16 to 17 may get a booster. Now as the omicron variant spreads, the state's health department now recommends all children aged 12 to 15 get a booster shot. Minors must have a parent, guardian or adult on site for vaccinations.

"Boosters for those 12+ are safe and effective," VDH stated. "They provide additional protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. This is important as the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly."

The guidance for when people should get a Pfizer booster was also updated. VDH says residents 12 and up should receive a Pfizer booster five months after their initial two doses are completed. The previous recommendation was six months after the two-dose series.

The recommendation remains the same for the other vaccines — six months after the two-dose series for Moderna or two months after the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only available to people 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine available to anyone 5 and older, although the two-dose series is a lower pediatric dose for ages 5 to 11.

The Alexandria Health Department is currently offering regular and booster vaccinations for ages 12 and up, as well as pediatric vaccinations for ages 5 to 11. To find appointments from the Alexandria Health Department, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Vaccines. Check back for other booster availability for children using your ZIP code at www.vaccines.gov.