COVID Booster Shot Plan Announced For Loudoun County

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA —The Loudoun County Health Department recommends residents receive a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine, beginning this fall. The decision comes one week after the health department made a similar decision regarding third doses for people who are immunocompromised.

Recent data showed that the vaccine's effectiveness may wear down over time, the health department said. Coupled with the continuing spread of the virus's delta variant, officials are urging residents to remain fully protected.

Dr. David Goodfriend is the Loudoun County Health Director. "The need for a booster COVID-19 vaccine for everyone is not unusual,” Dr. Goodfriend said. "Boosters are needed with many types of vaccines; it’s not any different than getting a tetanus booster every 10 years.”

In an announcement earlier this week, the CDC said the general population could begin receiving a third dose of the vaccine as early as Sept. 20, 2021. The proposed plan would recommend people get their shot of the vaccine 8 months after their second shot. A plan has not been announced yet regarding booster shots for those who received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Last week, the CDC recommended immunocompromised people receive a third dose of the vaccine. "The third dose of vaccine is approved for this population because the research shows that they are likely to benefit from an additional dose to make sure they have enough protection against COVID-19,” Dr. Goodfriend said. “The additional dose is the same formulation as the first two doses of Pfizer or Moderna received and is available at many pharmacies, medical offices and at the county’s vaccination site."

As cases across the region continue to rise, officials urge unvaccinated residents to receive a vaccine. The coronavirus vaccines have proven to be effective at preventing the spread of the coronavirus and preventing severe health outcomes.

"People who have not been fully vaccinated remain at risk from severe outcomes from this disease,” Dr. Goodfriend said. "Virtually all current COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are unvaccinated."

According to the Virginia Department of Health, 98.17 percent of coronavirus deaths occurred among people who were not fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, 0.001 percent of fully vaccinated people have died due to complications from COVID-19.

Loudoun residents can schedule a vaccine appointment online.