COVID-19: Get Vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, free and they can save your life. Schedule your appointment today. 
Page updated on May 9, 2023 at 8:03 AM

Protect Yourself From COVID-19: Get Vaccinated & Boosted

Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. Bivalent vaccines - delivered in primary shots and boosters - are available to keep you and your loved ones healthy.

Review this page for information on vaccine availability, updated vaccine guidance, and information on how to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine in Alexandria. 

Vaccination and the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

On May 11, 2023, the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will expire. This does not mean COVID-19 is going away. COVID-19 still exists in Alexandria and across the country, and it continues to be a leading cause of death nationwide. Vaccines continue to be a safe and effect way to prevent hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 in Alexandria.

Here's what to know about vaccines and the end of the Public Health Emergency:

  • After May 11, free vaccines and boosters will still be available through health care providers, pharmacies, and clinics, as long as the supply of federally purchased vaccines lasts. Alexandria Health Department does not anticipate the supply will run out soon, but AHD will inform the public if supplies are running out.  The government and providers will cover the costs of these vaccines.
  • Alexandria Health Department will keep scheduling vaccines at AHD clinics or other locations over the phone and on this webpage.

What to do: Stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Review updated vaccine guidance and find an appointment to get a shot below.

Updated Vaccine Guidance - April 2023

How Do Vaccine Updates Affect You?

On April 19, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended updated guidance around bivalent vaccines for primary shot series and boosters. Monovalent mRNA vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States. The updated guidance – including guidance for children, people 65 years of age and older, and people with weakened immune systems - is listed below or can be found through the CDC and VDH.  

If you have already started getting vaccinated, additional bivalent shots offer fuller protection. If you are unvaccinated, a single bivalent shot can protect you. Review the guidelines and talk to your healthcare provider. Or, call AHD at 703.746.4988 with questions.

Getting a Vaccine Appointment

Vaccine providers may receive supplies at different times, call ahead to check availability. Some pharmacies may offer bivalent vaccines as soon as Monday, April 24. AHD is updating our vaccine systems and will update this site as soon as possible when vaccines are available.  

For more information, see VDH guidance or call your healthcare provider.  

For updates on vaccines and COVID-19, check the VDH news page. 

For information on which vaccine or booster type is recommended based on your age and health condition, see VDH guidance or call your healthcare provider.

For updates on vaccines and COVID-19, check the VDH news page.

Clinic Appointments

Find local appointments for any vaccine dose (including boosters) using the Virginia Department of Health vaccine appointment search and scheduling tool:
Find an appointment

Other appointments at providers like pharmacies can be found on vaccines.gov.

Click to see event listing

 

If you have an appointment scheduled and need to reschedule or cancel, please contact the provider directly. For general questions, or for scheduling specifically Novavax appointments, please contact the Alexandria Health Department Hotline at 703.746.4988, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 presented in collaboration with local community leaders and health experts regarding the safety and importance of COVID-19 vaccines for children. 

Looking for vaccine and booster options for children under 5? Vaccination locations may include the following, please call ahead to check availability: 

  • Alexandria Health Department clinics, listed above.
  • 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). 
  • Red Sea Homecare clinics, which can be found on the Red Sea website and the VDH search tool. 
  • Hispanic American Pediatric Associates, located at 5130 Duke Street, Suite 7, Alexandria, VA 22304. Insurance is needed, call for appointment availability: 703.751.2021 

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.