December 10, 2021
Media Contact: Megan Shearin megan.shearin@vdh.virginia.gov, 757-805-7081
Military Circle Mall Community Vaccination Center Expands Vaccination to include Pfizer-BioNTech Booster for Persons 16-17 Years of Age
Testing Continues on Mondays
(NORFOLK, Va.)— The Community Vaccination Center (CVC), at the former Macy’s department store location at Military Circle Mall (MCM) located at 880 N. Military Highway, Norfolk is now offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination booster for persons ages 16 through 17 years of age.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster for persons ages 16 through 17 years of age was endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday, December 9. Individuals who are 16 or 17 years of age should receive the Pfizer booster dose at least six months after completion of primary vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
“Now that the presence of the Omicron variant has been confirmed in Virginia, booster vaccines help to broaden and strengthen immunity in those who are fully vaccinated,” said Dr. Parham Jaberi, Chief Deputy Commissioner for VDH and Acting Director for Norfolk Health District. “If you are eligible, now is the time to get the booster to help strengthen our community and to stop the spread of the virus. And if you haven’t been vaccinated, now is the time. All persons 5 years of age and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.”
While there are many unknowns about the Omicron variant, the Virginia Department of Health continues to work with state and federal partners and is actively involved in tracking the Omicron variant, studying it to learn its characteristics and assess any potential threat it may pose to the public. For now however, the best way to prevent infection with the new variant or previous strains is to get vaccinated, wear a mask in indoor settings where social distancing cannot be maintained, getting tested upon any sign and symptoms of illness, and staying home if ill.
All COVID-19 vaccinations, pediatric and adult, will continue to be offered at the MCM. The vaccine remains FREE and open to those working or living in other jurisdictions including those traveling from other states. The MCM community vaccination center is open 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Since the MCM’s reopening as a CVC on October 9, more than 26,000 vaccinations have been provided.
Appointments for vaccination are strongly encouraged to avoid extended wait times, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, visit Norfolk/VAB and input “23502” into the zip code search bar to schedule an appointment at the MCM vaccination center, or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). The Norfolk COVID-19 hotline (757) 683-2745 can also assist with general questions or scheduling appointments.
Those who have an appointment should plan to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes prior to the appointment time. Anyone who has received a prior COVID-19 vaccine should bring their vaccine card or their vaccine record with a QR code. Those under 18 years of age require the presence of a parent or guardian.
The experience of getting a COVID-19 vaccine will be very similar to the experience of getting routine vaccines. Parents can check out these tips on talking to their child about what to expect. For more about vaccinating children and teens, parents can visit the CDC website.
Individuals who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster dose may choose which vaccine product they would like to receive as a booster. For those individuals that choose a different product than their primary series, VDH urges you to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider who can assist you in making the best decision for your own situation.
FREE COVID-19 Testing will continue at the MCM on Mondays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. until the end of the year.
Testing is available for ages 3 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Only PCR testing is available at the MCM; rapid testing is not available.
Testing is provided at no charge, identification is not required, and pre-registration is not needed.
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NOTE: Members of the media are not permitted inside the CVCs when patients are present. Media may be allowed inside during press events or for tours before or after hours and must be escorted by a VDH designated Public Information Officer (PIO) or other approved staff members. Arrangements must be made 24 hours ahead of time with the Regional Public Information Officer, Larry Hill, at larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov or the Norfolk Health Department PIO, Megan Shearin, at megan.shearin@vdh.virginia.gov.
Members of the media may respectfully approach clinic patients outside of the clinic and talk to them if they provide consent. Media members who do not comply may be asked to leave the site.