[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; CDC Urges Vaccination Among Pregnant People; Boosters and High-Dose Flu Shots for Ages 65+; Recent COVID-19 Deaths in Alexandria

­­For Immediate Release: October 1, 2021

Help end the pandemic by wearing a mask over both your nose and mouth, washing your hands frequently, and getting vaccinated. Approximately 1 in 20 Alexandrians who have tested positive for COVID-19 have required hospitalization, so without these critical steps, additional lives may be at risk.

CDC Urges Vaccination Among Pregnant People

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vaccination to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially among those who are pregnant. Pregnant people are at risk of serious complications from COVID-19, including an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes that could include preterm birth, stillbirth, and admission into the ICU of a newborn also infected with COVID-19. As of September 27, 2021, more than 125,000 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in pregnant people, including more than 22,000 hospitalized cases and 161 deaths. The highest number of monthly COVID-19-related deaths among pregnant people was reported in August 2021. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh known or potential risks in people who are pregnant, were recently pregnant (including those who are breastfeeding), or who are trying to become pregnant now or in the future. Schedule an appointment today. 

Boosters and High-Dose Flu Shots for Ages 65+

Those ages 65 and up can receive both the high-dose flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine booster at a variety of locations in Alexandria at a local pharmacy or doctor’s office. A COVID-19 Pfizer booster shot is recommended for those ages 65 and up who received Pfizer for their first two doses. The booster should be received at least six months after your last dose. The Alexandria Health Department has compiled a list of locations that offer both COVID-19 vaccines and high dose flu shots for people 65 and older. COVID-19 shots are always free. Call first or make an appointment online. High-dose flu shots are free with most private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans.   

Recent COVID-19 Deaths in Alexandria

Today's data on COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths notes the addition of three COVID-19-related deaths. One of these deaths occurred in January and was just added to the data dashboard. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19. Book an appointment today online. 

Alexandria COVID-19 Data At-a-Glance

The Alexandria COVID-19 Dashboard below shows the daily change in the number of COVID-19 cases, deaths and 7-day average, as well as the cumulative totals. The chart focuses on the past 90 days and provides context for the CDC transmission levels. An interactive version is available at alexandriava.gov/114883. The Alexandria COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard below includes total doses administered across all facilities, the percentage of residents ages 12 and older who have received at least one dose, the number partially and fully vaccinated, and progress toward Alexandria’s and the state’s vaccination goals. Vaccination charts are available at alexandriava.gov/120654. Detailed data, including data on age, race and ethnicity, are available through links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. 

At least one dose: Total number of people who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including those who received one dose of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. This metric includes all people who have received only one dose and those who received at least one dose.

Fully Vaccinated: Total number or percent of people who have completed the recommended series of a given vaccine product (i.e., two doses of the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine). 

Partially Vaccinated: Total number of people who have received the first dose of a two-dose vaccine course but have not yet received the second dose. 

Continue following measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 even after vaccination. Get tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. If you test positive, help loved ones and neighbors by informing your close contacts using “ What to Do If You Get Sick” guidance, which is available in Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, and Farsi or this brief video.