Loudoun County Government: Loudoun County COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Update

Press release from the Loudoun County Government:

September 20, 2021

On Friday, September 17, 2021, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel endorsed COVID-19 booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine for those who are 65 or older or run a high risk of severe disease. This does not mean, however, that a booster dose is recommended or that Loudoun County can begin offering booster doses. Following the FDA recommendation, the booster-dose approval process next requires recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and adoption of the CDC recommendations by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Loudoun County cannot offer booster doses until authorized by VDH. The CDC could issue guidance on COVID-19 boosters by the end of this week. “We certainly recognize that there has been a lot of media coverage about the FDA vote last week and that there may be some confusion over who is eligible for booster doses now,” said Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend. “Loudoun County will announce when we can begin offering booster doses of Pfizer vaccine; for now, our priority is vaccinating those who have not yet received their first or second dose.” The CDC has scheduled a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on September 22 and 23. The CDC has indicated its approval is subject to the FDA’s authorization and the ACIP’s recommendation. VDH authorization to begin providing booster doses in Loudoun County may be provided within the next week. “It’s important to note that even after we have a recommendation for a booster dose, there is no urgency to get the booster,” added Dr. Goodfriend. “Fully vaccinated individuals are still protected against COVID-19 and may get their booster when recommended at their convenience.” Currently, there is no timeline for recommendations for boosters of the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Who is Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Now? Currently, Loudoun County continues to offer COVID-19 vaccination appointments for two groups of people: Residents who are 12 and older and have not yet received their first and/or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Residents who are moderately and severely immunocompromised individuals and are recommended by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a third dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Where Can I Get Vaccinated?

This press release was produced by the Loudoun County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.