Loudoun Vaccine Update: Preparing To Vaccinate Children

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — As the county's vaccination efforts continue for people aged 16 or older, the health department has also begun preparing to vaccinate children aged 12 to 15, according to a Facebook post published by the county. The county expects federal authorities to approve the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for use in children this week.

In a Facebook post, the Loudoun County government noted that they did not have an exact timetable on when they would be able to begin vaccinating adolescents, but they did set a goal. "Loudoun County hopes to have authorization to vaccinate children ages 12 to 15 years by the end of this week," the Facebook post said.

The county has already established protocols for vaccinating children. When the coronavirus vaccine is approved for adolescents, they will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for their vaccination appointment.

When the vaccine is approved for children, parents and guardians will be able to schedule an appointment for their children on the Vaccine Administration Management System. Adolescents will also be vaccinated at the health department's coronavirus vaccine clinic at the Dulles Town Center in Sterling.

45 percent of eligible residents in Loudoun County are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to the Loudoun County Health Department. Meanwhile, 3 million people across the state of Virginia are now fully vaccinated.

Virginia residents can use the Vaccine Appointment Scheduling Engine to find an appointment through the health district. Alternatively, residents can use the federal vaccine finder tool to find a coronavirus vaccine from a pharmacy or other healthcare provider.

Those who need help finding an appointment can also call the state's vaccine hotline. The hotline can be reached at 877-829-4682.