Moderna, J&J Booster Shots Offered To Select Groups In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After federal recommendation of booster shots for two more COVID-19 vaccines, Alexandria is offering boosters to eligible adult groups.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FDA recommended boosters for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for certain groups. Boosters of the Pfizer vaccine were previously recommended in September.

The Alexandria Health Department and other vaccine providers are now offering boosters for the three COVID-19 vaccines. For Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, boosters are recommended for anyone 65 and older, adults living in long-term care facilities, people 18 to 64 with underlying health conditions, or adults at higher risk for COVID-19 exposure due to their work setting. A booster dose or Pfizer or Moderna should be at least six months after the second dose. Boosters are not currently recommended for anyone under 18.

As for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, anyone who received the single dose at least two months ago can get a booster dose. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine can be given to anyone 18 and older.

New guidance from both the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration allows people to mix and match the COVID-19 vaccine for booster shots. A doctor should be consulted before taking a different vaccine than the initial doses.

"If you decide to get a booster dose by mixing and matching, VDH urges you to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider who can assist you in making the best decision for your own situation," said Dr. Danny Avula, Virginia's vaccination coordinator. "We also stress that all three vaccines authorized for administration in the United States are highly effective in preventing severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death."

Guidance is slightly different for moderately or severely immunocompromised people. A third dose of Pfizer or Moderna may be given 28 days after the second dose. The same brand of vaccine is recommended for immunocompromised people.

While booster shots were the latest recommendation by the FDA and CDC, vaccine authorization for ages 5 to 11 to Pfizer is expected this fall or upcoming winter.

For upcoming health department vaccine clinics and more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Vaccines.