Tag: booster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 15, 2023
Media Contact:  Logan Anderson, PIO, logan.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Announces Availability of New 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccine

RICHMOND, Va. — On September 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the vaccine recommendations of its independent panel of advisors, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible to receive a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, made by Pfizer and Moderna. In the coming days, the vaccine will start to be available at pharmacies and physicians’ offices in addition to federally qualified health centers, free clinics, and local health department offices. Virginians should speak with their healthcare providers about receiving the vaccine.

Persons aged 65 years and older and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization and death associated with COVID-19. Therefore, it is especially important for older adults to consider this vaccine and discuss it with their healthcare provider. The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines are designed to target the Omicron variant XBB.1.5. Studies have shown that these vaccines can also protect against severe outcomes from other Omicron variants, such as BA.2.86 and EG.5.

Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines will now be available on the commercial market. According to CDC, most Americans will still get a COVID-19 vaccine with no out-of-pocket cost. People with insurance will likely pay nothing out of pocket for the vaccine. Those who are uninsured or underinsured can access free COVID-19 vaccines through two federal programs, the Bridge Access Program for adults and the Vaccines for Children program. These vaccines will be available to eligible persons at local health departments and participating pharmacies and healthcare providers. To find vaccine locations participating in the Bridge Access Program, visit Vaccines.gov. To find a Vaccine for Children program provider, visit vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/vvfc.

VDH remains dedicated to preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19, particularly for people at higher risk, and will continue working to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in the state. Vaccination is one of many strategies to prevent COVID-19. Other important steps in combatting the virus are frequent handwashing, good respiratory hygiene that includes coughing and sneezing into your elbow, getting tested if you’re feeling sick, staying home if you are sick, and consulting with your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for treatment. The VDH COVID-19 dashboards allow Virginians to stay abreast of the current state of COVID-19 trends in their community; the dashboards are available on the VDH website.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, check the Vaccinate Virginia website or contact the VDH Call Center. Call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.

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March 8, 2022
Media Contact: Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Sending Texts/Calls to Remind Virginians of Their Eligibility for Boosters Against COVID-19

(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Chickahominy Health District is sending text and voice messages to residents in the counties of Charles City, Goochland, Hanover, and New Kent to remind them they are eligible for booster shots against COVID-19.

The texts/calls are just one more way VDH is reaching out to let Virginians know they can get a free booster dose of vaccine at many locations around the state.

The message will read:  “Virginia Department of Health records indicate you or a member of your family are eligible for a Booster COVID-19 vaccine. To request an appointment visit: https://tinyurl.com/vaxCHD or call 804-365-3240.

Los archivos del Departamento de Salud de Virginia indican que usted o un miembro de su familia son elegibles para la dosis de refuerzo de la vacuna contra el COVID-19. Para programar una cita visite: https://tinyurl.com/vaxCHD o llame al 804-365-3240.”

Individuals do not need to wait for this notification to get a vaccine booster.

If you believe that you received a booster vaccine message in error, please contact the VDH central call center for a review of your or your family member’s record to make sure it is up to date. 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.

Also, Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) are also operating in our area and walk-ins are welcome at CVCs (with most being open from 8am-5pm), but appointments are encourage and can be made online: https://vase.vdh.virginia.gov/.

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January 11, 2022
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Southside Health District Offers Pfizer Booster Shots for 12-15 Year Olds
New Vaccination Clinic Added in Halifax

Halifax, Va. – Effective immediately, the Virginia Department of Health’s Southside Health District will offer Pfizer BioNTech booster shots for 12 to 15 year olds. Additionally, 5 to 11-year-old vaccine recipients who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible to receive a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine 28 days after the second dose.

Eligible recipients can receive the vaccine or booster at Southside Health District’s vaccination clinic scheduled for January 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Abiding Branch Christian Ministries at 65 S. Main St. Walk-ins are welcome. No appointment needed.

The clinics will offer first, second, additional primary and booster doses at no cost to the public. The Moderna vaccine and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson are available for anyone 18 and older. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available for anyone 5 and older. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18.

The Pfizer BioNTech booster vaccine can be obtained by anyone 12 and older at least five months from the date of their second mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine or at least two months from the date of their Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

The Moderna or Johnson & Johnson booster vaccine can be obtained by anyone 18 and older at least five months from the date of their second mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine or at least two months from the date of their Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

“As we’ve seen an increase in COVID-19 cases from holiday gatherings and the Omicron variant, it’s important to take advantage of every precaution against COVID,” said Southside and Pittsylvania-Danville Health Director Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH. “So we are happy to be able to provide this additional layer of protection for our youngsters.”

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.

If you are coming for your second, third or booster dose, please bring your vaccine card to confirm the date and type of vaccine you received in previous doses.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, its safety and answers to frequently asked questions at VDH’s website and CDC’s website.

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