Moderna, Johnson & Johnson Booster Shots Available In Loudoun County Starting This Weekend

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Booster shots of the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will be available to residents beginning on Saturday.

The Centers for Disease Control and the Virginia Department of Health also approved a "mix and match" approach to boosters, meaning residents can receive any brand of the vaccine for their booster, regardless of which vaccine they received initially.

"Boosters doses will provide added protection to recommended groups who are fully vaccinated, but it remains critical that unvaccinated people also get their first doses as soon as possible," Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend said in a news release. "Loudoun County continues to have substantial transmission of the virus in our community, which can be slowed by getting even more people vaccinated."

Vaccines are available through the Loudoun County Health Department at their Dulles Town Center clinic. Currently, vaccinations at the clinic are being offered by appointment only. Residents can set up a free COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the county's website.

Anyone who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine can receive a booster shot two months after their first shot. Those who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines can get their booster shots six months after their last shot.

Currently, booster shot eligibility is limited to people who are 65 or older, residents of long-term care facilities, people 18 or older who have underlying medical conditions, or people who are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 because of where they work.

Currently, the CDC has not authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for people younger than 12. However, Loudoun County officials expect that to change soon.

"The Loudoun County Health Department is planning for the expected approval of the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5–11 years old," the county said in a news release. "The necessary federal approvals for vaccinating this group of children are expected by early November."

COVID-19 vaccines are also available through pharmacies and other healthcare providers. An online tool can help residents find a COVID- 19 vaccine near you.