COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available For 12- To 15-Year-Olds, Fairfax City

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

05/13/2021 8:30 AM

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced that providers across the Commonwealth could begin vaccinating those aged 12-15 following federal approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in adolescents. Previously, this vaccine was only authorized for individuals ages 16 and older.

The announcement follows both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 12-15 earlier this week and a recommendation yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Here is what parents and guardians should know about this latest development.

1.) Vaccine appointments are available at Health Department clinics for 12-15 year-olds.

Parents and guardians who wish to have their child immunized can make an appointment through the Health Department. Go to the vaccine scheduling portal and bsearch for “Pfizer.” Clinics across the area have appointments availabile. The Tysons Community Vaccination Center also is accepting walk-ins. Please note that a parent, guardian, or another adult in place of the parent/guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18 to their appointment at these Health Department sites.

People can also search for vaccine on Vaccines.gov or en español, Vacunas.gov or contact their own physician to see if they have vaccines available. Vaccination is free of charge; at some sites, you may be asked for health insurance information, but there will never be an out-of-pocket cost for vaccine.

2.) Equity is at the core of the vaccination strategy in the Fairfax Health District

The health department is working with the school administrations of Fairfax County Public Schools (including Fairfax City schools) and Fairfax-Falls Church Public Schools on strategies to ensure equity in access to vaccination for under-resourced students. Parents are encouraged to monitor their email and school announcements for information and updates.

3.) Information resources to get your questions answered

Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their child’s pediatrician with questions.

Administration of the vaccine in adolescents will be the same as in adults: given in two doses, separated by 21 days. Adolescents are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the second dose. Side effects in this age group included pain or redness in the arm where the vaccine is given, fatigue, fever and muscle aches.

For questions about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, please call 703-267-3511, the health department’s COVID-19 information line.

You can make a COVID-19 vaccine appointments through the Health Department’s online scheduler and by phone: 703-324-7404.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.