Free COVID-19 Vaccinations Are Available For Children 5-11 At Arlington Health Clinics

ARLINGTON, VA — Starting Saturday, children ages 5-11 will be able to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations from Arlington County Public Health. The vaccinations will be administered by appointment at Walter Reed Community Center and Arlington Mill Community Center.

Public health also will be designating clinics specifically designed to administer the COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11 on Saturday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 14.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorization for younger children makes about 748,000 Virginia children immediately eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. The Virginia Department of Health has been planning for the expansion of vaccine availability to younger children.

The vaccine expansion comes as health experts watch for a repeat of last winter's surge. Infectious disease modelers from the University of Virginia's Biocomplexity Institute say there is a chance that new cases could exceed last January's peak.

“The Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 in children. This approval is a critical step towards protecting our kids and keeping other vulnerable community members safe. We encourage all parents to get their children vaccinated when they become eligible,” said Dr. Reuben Varghese, Arlington County Public Health director, in a release.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already granted emergency use authorization. Parents can find an appointment for the children at an Arlington public health clinic or local pharmacy by searching Vaccines.gov. The child's pediatrician may also have vaccination appointments available. In addition, Parents can also book appointments beginning Saturday at Walgreens and Sunday at CVS across Virginia.

Appointments are required for this weekend's free public health vaccination clinics at Walter Reed Community Center and Arlington Mill Community Center. No walk-ins will be allowed. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to receive a vaccination.

Free vaccination clinics for children 17 and under will be offered at Walter Reed Community Center and Arlington Mill Community Center:

• Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. - Appointment only.
• Monday-Friday, 2-7 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 13 and Sun. Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. - vaccine will only be offered for children 5-11.

Related:

COVID Vaccine For Kids Under 12: Where To Get One In Virginia