Alexandria now offering COVID-19 boosters for everyone over 18

Healthcare providers, pharmacies and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) are now offering COVID-19 booster shots to all residents over 18 years old, the city said in a press release.

the press release notes that those receiving a booster shot can use either the Moderna or Pfizer booster, regardless of which vaccine they took.

“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved boosters for anyone ages 18 and older who has received their final dose of an mRNA vaccine, such as Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech, at least six months ago or their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago,” the city said. “This follows the recommendations of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which met November 19 to review data regarding booster benefits and safety data from the previously approved groups and booster clinical studies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the vaccines’ Emergency Use Authorizations as a preliminary step toward universal booster approval.”

Appointments for a vaccine booster can be made online and the AHD is hosting vaccine clinics at schools and other locations throughout the community — though the press release noted that booster appointments with the Health Department may be limited due to the department focusing on pediatric vaccines.

“Visit alexandriava.gov/Vaccines for more information about vaccines in Alexandria,” the AHD said. “For questions or help finding a booster, contact the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 703 746 4988.”