COVID-19: Get Vaccinated
Protect Yourself From COVID-19: Get Vaccinated & Boosted
Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent hospitalization and death due to COVID-19.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a 2023-2024 season COVID-19 vaccine. Older adults should receive an additional dose of the 2023-2024 season COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after their first dose this season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has complete recommendations for which doses of the updated vaccine you should receive depending on your age, health background, and vaccine history.
It may seem harder to find a COVID-19 vaccine appointment this year because of changes in the vaccine supply chain. Here’s what you can do:
- Ask your health care provider if they are giving COVID-19 shots. If not, look for appointments at local pharmacies using vaccines.gov.
- Always call ahead of appointments. Confirm they have the vaccine in stock, verify your insurance coverage, and ask about out-of-pocket costs.
- Need help finding a shot? Call AHD at 703.746.4988 for more info. AHD has vaccines for people without insurance and children under 3 years old.
AHD will continue to update this page based on guidance from the CDC and VDH.
Vaccine Appointments
Find local appointments for vaccines using vaccines.gov. Vaccines are available at pharmacies and providers' offices. Always call ahead of appointments to ask about hours, eligibility, and out-of-pocket costs.
If you do not have health insurance or if you have a child under 3 years of age, you may have a harder time finding a vaccine. Call AHD at 703.746.4988 Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for help finding an appointment.
Paying for COVID-19 Vaccines
Updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2023–2024 will be available from pharmacies and providers. Most people will still receive COVID-19 vaccines for free. Always call ahead of appointments to ask about availability and out-of-pocket costs.
People with Medicare Part B can get free COVID-19 vaccinations. People with Medicaid can get free COVID-19 vaccinations through September 30, 2024.
People without health insurance may have a harder time finding a vaccine appointment. Call AHD at 703.746.4988 Mon. - Fri. from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for help finding an appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccines are Important for Children
COVID vaccines and boosters are now recommended as part of routine childhood vaccine schedules, per the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). View or share the Spanish and Amharic webinars about the safety and importance of COVID-19 vaccines for children.
People with children under 3 years old may have a harder time finding a vaccine appointment. Call AHD at 703.746.4988 Mon. - Fri. from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for help finding an appointment.
Looking for vaccine and booster options for children under 5? Vaccination locations may include the following, please call ahead to check availability:
- Your pediatrician's office.
- Pharmacies, which can be found on vaccines.gov (pharmacies can vaccinate only children 3 and older at most locations, some full service clinics can vaccinate children under 3).
- If you need help finding an appointment, call AHD at 703.746.4988.
How Can I Receive More Information?
Feel free to call the AHD hotline at 703.746.4988 from Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or use VDH’s extensive COVID-19 resource pages which includes recommendations based on age and vaccine type. As always, you can call your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss the best options for vaccination.