COVID Boosters Underway For 16, 17-Year-Olds In Alexandria

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — After federal and state recommendation, COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer have started to become available to 16 and 17-year-olds in Alexandria.

On Dec. 9, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended boosters for ages 16-17 at least six months after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. For now, the booster is only a suggestion for these teens. There are no boosters recommended for ages 5 to 15. The Virginia Department of Health allowed boosters to move forward in the state after the CDC recommendation.

"Expanding the ranks of those eligible for a Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose in particular adds another 79,508 people to the eligible population which, in turn, will add to the strength of the line of defense we have against the spread of COVID-19," said Dr. Danny Avula, the state's vaccination coordinator.

Currently, boosters are urged for all adults. Those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines can get the third booster dose at least six months after the second dose. Those who got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a booster dose at least two months after the first dose.

The Alexandria Health Department continues to schedule COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Below are some upcoming opportunities for ages 16 and up to get Pfizer boosters. See more vaccine clinics and schedule at www.alexandriava.gov/Vaccines.

• Wednesday, Dec. 15: Torpedo Factory (105 N Union Street, 3rd floor #325 Alexandria, VA 22314), 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 15: US Patent & Trademark Office (550 Elizabeth Lane, Alexandria VA 22314), 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 15: Northern Virginia Community College - Fine Arts Building (3301 Netherton Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311), 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 16: Torpedo Factory (105 N Union Street, 3rd floor #325 Alexandria, VA 22314), 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 16: Patrick Henry Elementary School (4643 Taney Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304), 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 16: Northern Virginia Community College - Fine Arts Building (3301 Netherton Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311), 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 17: Torpedo Factory (105 N Union Street, 3rd floor #325 Alexandria, VA 22314), 8:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 17: Northern Virginia Community College - Fine Arts Building (3301 Netherton Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311), 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 17: Patrick Henry Rec Center (4653 Taney Avenue, Alexandria, VA), 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Other availability for ages 16 to 17 can be found at www.vaccines.gov by searching for the Pfizer vaccine with your ZIP code.