Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines are now available for five to 11-year-olds. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, previously approved for everyone over 12 years old, now has a version specifically made for children ages five to 11.
Parents and guardians have a variety of options to get their children vaccinated including Alexandria Health Department (AHD) vaccine clinics, as well as private providers such as pharmacies and pediatrician’s offices.
There will be enough vaccines for all children who need them, but it may take several weeks to receive the supplies needed to vaccinate all 12,000+ of Alexandria’s children. Pediatric vaccine appointments at AHD clinics will be posted on a rolling basis on alexandriava.gov/Vaccines as supply becomes available. For other vaccine provider locations and availability, visit vaccines.gov.
Minors are not able to consent to immunizations by themselves, so a parent or guardian must consent either in advance or at the vaccination site, depending on the provider. If you have a specific concern about your child, such as previous allergic reactions or adverse side effects caused by a vaccine, contact their doctor or healthcare provider to address your unique situation.
While vaccines are a step to protect all children, ACPS does not require COVID-19 vaccination for five to 11-year-olds. Vaccines also help keep children in school and other activities since vaccinated people do not need to be quarantined if they are in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. This is critical for continued learning and a child’s physical, social, and emotional health. If you have other vaccine questions, contact the AHD COVID-19 Hotline at 703-746-4988.