[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Boosters for All COVID-19 Vaccines Now Authorized; Finding Your Vaccine Record; Tips for a Safer Halloween

­­For Immediate Release: October 22, 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.

Boosters for All COVID-19 Vaccines Now Authorized

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now has booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.

• For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at least 6 months after their initial two doses:
  
  • Anyone 65 years and older

  • Anyone age 18+ who live in long-term care settings

  • Anyone age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions

  • Anyone age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

• For individuals who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are recommended for anyone who was vaccinated two or more months ago.
  

CDC’s recommendations do allow for “mix and match” boosters (getting a different booster than your original vaccine). If you wish for further advice on the booster choice that may be best for your situation, please consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. Alexandria Health Department and other Alexandria providers are now offering booster appointments. Visit alexandriava.gov/Vaccines to find appointments by date, time and vaccine type. Additional providers, such as pharmacies, can be found at vaccines.gov. For help finding a vaccine or booster, contact the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 703.746.4988.

Finding Your Vaccine Record

Individuals who have lost or damaged their COVID-19 vaccine card can download a copy of their record from vaccinate.virginia.gov. Once downloaded, individuals can save the record and QR code on their phone or print it out. For support over the phone, call the Virginia Department of Health hotline at 877.829.4682.

Tips for a Safer Halloween

With an elevated level of community transmission in Alexandria, any activity with people from different households carries some risk. Individuals can take common sense measures to make Halloween activities safer. 

• Anyone age 12 and older should get vaccinated. Book an appointment at alexandriava.gov/Vaccines
• Wear a cloth or surgical mask when handing out candy or trick or treating
• Consider pre-bagging candy so kids don't have to reach into a bowl
• Wash hands before eating candy or other treats
• Choose outdoor parties rather than indoor gatherings
• Avoid crowded settings and gatherings where you can't maintain distance from others
• Stay home and away from others if you're not feeling well, even if you are fully vaccinated

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.