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With appointment system overload, City asks for patience making vaccine appointments for kids

The Alexandria Health Department is asking for patience as Virginia’s vaccine scheduling system is backed up with demand.

“The City is aware that the state’s vaccine scheduling system may be overloaded with demand and service may be intermittent,” AHD said in a release. “Please be patient and continue checking back to schedule an appointment.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month approved the emergency authorization of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11.

Alexandria has experienced “Substantial” COVID-19 transmission since the week beginning October 17.

By the numbers

As of today (Monday, November 8), the number of cases has climbed to 14,455, up 124 cases since this time last week. The death toll from the virus is now at 151, up from 149 last week, according to the the Virginia Department of Health.

About 91% of Alexandria’s 12-17-year-olds (6,638 people) have been fully vaccinated according to VDH. About 71% (92,255) of residents older than 18 have been vaccinated, as have about 82% (15,816) of seniors. Additionally, 14,995 residents have gotten a booster shot.

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases for every 100,000 people is 11, down from 12.2 last week. There have also been about 163 cases reported in the last two weeks, and the seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests is 3.3%, up from 2.7% last week.

There have been 28 cases reported within Alexandria City Public Schools in November. There were also 77 cases reported in ACPS in October.

Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.