Vaccine Mandate Planned For City Of Falls Church Employees

FALLS CHURCH, VA — City of Falls Church employees will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the city government announced Wednesday.

The requirement will start this fall, but the city did not provide a specific date. Those who request a medical or religious exemption will undergo regular COVID-19 testing.

According to a city news release, City Council expressed support for a vaccine mandate in recent meetings.

"The vaccines are safe, effective, and they save lives," said City Manager Wyatt Shields in a statement. "We join many other Northern Virginia jurisdictions, school systems, companies, and organizations in this important step toward ending this pandemic."

The announcement came after the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16 and older. Emergency use authorization is still in effect for ages 12 to 15. Moderna is also applying for full approval of its vaccine.

Last week, neighboring Fairfax County announced a vaccine requirement for county government employees, while Fairfax County Public Schools will require the vaccine for its employees.

Fairfax County's health department also covers the City of Falls Church. Residents can seek vaccine appointments through the Fairfax County Health Department or physicians, pharmacies and other providers. To find vaccine providers near your ZIP code, visit www.vaccines.gov.

A walk-in vaccine clinic will also be held at the Falls Church Festival on Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clinic will be inside the Community Center, with the Pfizer vaccine offered to anyone 12 and older.