Arlington County is starting to administer vaccine booster shots today, as the rate of new Covid cases continues to decline ever so gradually.
Following federal guidance, the county’s health department says it will administer a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine to qualified individuals, as defined in the press release below. The jabs will be available by appointment only at the county vaccination sites at the Arlington Mill and Walter Reed community centers.
Arlington’s rate of new Covid cases, meanwhile, continues to decline, albeit slowly. As of today the seven day moving average of new daily cases stands at 35, according to Virginia Dept. of Health data. That’s down from a seasonal peak of 48 cases per day two weeks ago. One week ago the moving average was 37 cases per day.
Three Covid-related deaths and 19 hospitalizations have been reported so far this month in Arlington, where at least 76.6% of the population has received at least one vaccine shot, according to VDH.
The full press release about booster shots is below.
On Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, Arlington County Public Health will begin offering COVID-19 vaccine boosters for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to certain people by appointment only, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This new, interim guidance allows for individuals who are at highest risk for COVID-19 to receive a Pfizer- COVID-19 booster shot to help increase their protection, including those in high-risk occupational and institutional settings.
“Vaccine has proven to be the single most effective strategy against reducing serious illness resulting in hospitalization or death and we are grateful that boosters as CDC recommends are now available to our eligible residents,” said Reuben K. Varghese, MD, MPH, Health Director for Arlington County.
The CDC recommends:
- People 65 years and older and residents 18 years and older in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series;
- People 50-64 years old with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series;
- People 18-49 years old with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series;
- People 18-64 years old who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer primary series.
People can talk to their healthcare provider about whether getting a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot is appropriate for them.
These recommendations only apply to people who previously received a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series (i.e., the first 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine); At this time booster doses are not recommended for people who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Find Your Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Booster
If you are eligible, you can receive a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 wherever vaccines are available. Options include community vaccination clinics, your healthcare provider, or a pharmacy.
Visit vaccinate.virginia.gov to find an appointment near you.
Arlington County’s Public Health Division will be offering Pfizer COVID-19 booster doses at its two clinics by appointment only. Individuals who qualify due to an underlying medical condition or increased risk for COVID-19 exposure because of occupational/institutional setting will be asked to attest (confirm) before receiving a booster.
- Arlington Mill Community Center (909 S Dinwiddie St.)
- Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Walter Reed Community Center (2909 16th St S.)
- Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Both clinics will continue to offer walk-in and scheduled appointments for 1st and 2nd doses of Pfizer and Moderna, and single doses of Johnson & Johnson. All booster doses AND additional doses require an appointment.
Appointments can be made online through the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). If you need ADA accommodations or require assistance scheduling your appointment with Arlington County Public Health, call 703-228-7999. For additional assistance, call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).
Please bring your vaccination card with you to confirm the date and type of vaccine you received and so your provider can fill in the information about your booster dose. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18.
A booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine is recommended at least six months (180 days) after the second dose in the primary series. There is no need to rush to get a booster at six months and one day – supply and access are both expected to be widely available.
“Immunity wanes gradually and remains strong against serious illness. Individuals who completed the 2-dose series of Pfizer more than six months ago still have good protection against COVID-19,” explained Dr. Varghese. “There is time to schedule an appointment for your booster even if it is not immediately as you become eligible.”
Arlington County encourages everyone 12 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Find convenient, free vaccination locations near you by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1).