For Immediate Release: May 20, 2022

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing a booster dose for individuals ages 5 to 11 years old at least five months after their last dose. On May 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also approved the change, which allows the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) and other providers to offer COVID-19 vaccine boosters to all Alexandria residents ages 5 and older. In addition, the CDC strengthened their recommendation that persons 12 years and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 years and older should get a second booster vaccine if it has been four months since their first booster. 

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure that children are current with their vaccinations, especially as Northern Virginia is at a medium COVID-19 community level. There are multiple options for getting 5-to-11 year-olds vaccinated and boosted, including AHD vaccine clinics, pharmacies and pediatrician’s offices. Since minors cannot consent to immunizations, a parent or guardian must provide consent either in advance or at the vaccination site, depending on the provider. To find appointments with providers such as pharmacies, visit vaccines.gov. For additional appointments at AHD and partner clinics, visit alexandriava.gov/Vaccines. For support in finding a vaccine, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 703.746.4988.

Do not attend vaccine clinics if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or are currently quarantining because you have been exposed to COVID-19.

Visit alexandriava.gov/Vaccines for more information.

For media inquiries only, contact Natalie Talis, Population Health Manager, at natalie.talis@vdh.virginia.gov and 703.746.4914.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/3637.