Health Dept. offers vaccine to kids under 5

Fairfax County Health Department sites are providing Covid vaccinations to children age 6 months to age 5, as of June 21. Appointments are not necessary.

The vaccinations are available at Health Department clinics, including the one at 7611 Little River Turnpike in Annandale.

Only the Moderna vaccine will be available for the youngest children at first; The Pfizer vaccine will be offered later.
Parents can also contact their child’s pediatrician or medical provider to see if they plan to carry the vaccine and make an appointment. You can also find an appointment here.

Some pharmacies and grocery stores with pharmacies may offer one, or both, vaccines for this age group. However, current Virginia law prohibits pharmacists from administering vaccines to children under 3.

The Food and Drug Administration approved an emergency authorization last week allowing Covid vaccinations for children under age 5. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends vaccines for everyone age 6 months and older.

Pfizer’s vaccine for kids younger than 5 is one-tenth of the adult dose. Three shots are needed. The first two are given three to eight weeks apart and the last one at least two months later, the Fairfax County Health Department explains.
Moderna’s Covid vaccine for kids under age 6 is given in two shots – each one a quarter of the adult dose – administered four to eight weeks apart.

“While young children are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from Covid-19, the effects of the virus are unpredictable,” the Health Department states. If infected, “children can potentially become very ill, have short and long-term health conditions, and spread Covid-19 to loved ones and others at school and in the community.”

Studies from Moderna and Pfizer showed side effects, including fever and fatigue, were mostly minor.

The FDA also authorized Moderna’s Covid vaccine for school-aged children and teens last week. Previously, only Pfizer had been authorized for this age group.

There will be a popup walk-in vaccine clinic for people age 12 and older at the Eden Center Care Van Clinic, Saturday, June 25, 6763 Wilson Blvd., in Seven Corners. The clinic provides the Pfizer vaccine.