November 5, 2021
Media Contact: Megan Shearin, megan.shearin@vdh.virginia.gov, 757-805-7081
Military Circle Mall Community Vaccination Center Expands Vaccination to include Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11
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 vaccine for children ages 5-11. On the first full day of roll out at the MCM, Thursday, November 4, 127 children aged 5-11 years of age were vaccinated.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year olds was endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this week and local health departments, enrolled primary care providers and pharmacies have received their initial shipments. Additional allotments will be provided through the month.
“The vaccine is safe and effective for children,” reports Dr. Parham Jaberi, Chief Deputy Commissioner for VDH and Acting Director for Norfolk Health District. “Parents should take every opportunity to vaccinate their children, age 5 and above, as soon as possible.” With COVID-19 cases rising as cooler climates set in and following holiday gatherings, Jaberi notes, “it’s critical for anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to get their COVID vaccine now.”
The 5-11 year old vaccine requires two doses separated by 21 days. Children should receive the second dose 21 days after their first dose or soon thereafter; the doses do not need to be exactly 21 days apart. The second dose may be given up to six weeks (42 days) after the first dose, if necessary. It is important that children receive both doses.
Since the MCM’s reopening as a CVC on October 9, more than 8,200 vaccinations have been provided. “There is no doubt the Military Circle Mall regional site is a beacon for supporting the communities throughout Hampton Roads in achieving our vaccination efforts,” said Jaberi. “We hope the continued ease of access, where appointments are encouraged but not required, will ensure as many individuals can receive these vaccines at a time that is convenient for them.”
All COVID-19 vaccinations, pediatric and adult, will continue to be offered at the MCM including, first, second and third doses, as well as booster doses and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. The vaccine remains FREE to the public. The MCM community vaccination center is open 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.
To make a vaccination appointment, visit Norfolk/VAB and input “23502” into the zip code search bar to schedule an appointment at the Military Circle Mall community vaccination center, or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages. Appointments are encouraged when possible to reduce wait times but walk-ins will also be accepted. The Norfolk COVID-19 hotline (757) 683-2745 can also assist with general questions or scheduling appointments.
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.
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. If you need a copy of your vaccine record, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov. Those under 18 years of age require the presence of a parent or guardian. To learn more about COVID-19, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-in-virginia/.
FREE COVID-19 Testing at the MCM will be held Mondays from 2 to 6 p.m. through the end of the year. Testing hours were briefly increased the past two weeks but are returning to the 2 to 6 p.m. timeframe.
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 provide at no charge, identification is not required, and pre-registration is not needed. Dr. Jaberi notes that VDH has worked to make testing as accessible as possible and asks individuals to “Just show up!”
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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.