FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2022
Media Contact: Sean Johnson 804-664-2708, sean.johnson@vdh.virginia.gov
THE PRINCE WILLIAM HEALTH DISTRICT OPENS COMMUNITY TESTING CENTER FOR COVID-19 TESTING
(Manassas, Va.)— The Prince William Health District today announced that a Community Testing Center (CTC) will open at the Pfitzner Stadium Complex, 7 County Complex Ct. Woodbridge, VA. 22192, on Thursday January 13, 2022, to provide free Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 in order to increase testing availability in response to public demand. This is a laboratory run test, and the PCR test results are usually available within a few days. PCR tests are very effective in detecting an active COVID-19 infection, even if asymptomatic. These CTCs will be in addition to existing Community Testing Events (CTEs) which are locally coordinated testing efforts through specific community partners.
The CTC will operate by appointments only and be open from 9:00 to 5:30, Saturday to Thursday. To find an appointment, visit vase.vdh.virginia.gov/testingappointment. Two days of appointment slots will be available on days when the testing site is open. CTC test results will be automatically sent via text or email message to individuals being tested based on the information provided by the individual in the appointment system.
News media are not permitted inside any CTC during regular hours to ensure patient privacy. Arrangements must be made 24 hours ahead of time to tour a CTC outside regular hours. Tours will be escorted, and no exceptions will be made.
To learn more about COVID-19 testing, visit the VDH COVID-19 Testing webpage.
STATEMENT FROM VIRGINIA STATE VACCINATION LIAISON DR. DANNY AVULA ON CDC RECOMMENDATION OF BOOSTER DOSES FOR ALL ADULTS 18+
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 19, 2021
Media Contact
Melissa Gordon, Vaccinate Virginia
melissa.gordon@vdh.virginia.gov
Statement from Virginia State Vaccination Liaison Dr. Danny Avula on CDC Recommendation of Booster Doses for All Adults 18+
(RICHMOND, Va.)— On November 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that all adults 18 years of age and older are now eligible to get a booster shot.This follows today’s authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of boosters for all adults who completed a 2-dose initial vaccine series of either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech.
Previously, a booster was recommended at least six months after completion of the initial series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for those populations who are 65 years of age and older, those living in long-term care facilities, and those 18 years of age and up who are at increased risk due to underlying medical conditions or where they work or live. Now, any adult, 18 years and older, who is six months or more out from the second Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna dose can request and receive a booster dose. CDC continues to recommend that people aged 18 years or older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine receive a booster dose at least two months after being vaccinated.
With the CDC’s action, approximately 2.2 million Virginians are now eligible to receive a booster dose.
The following statement is from Virginia’s State Vaccination Liaison Dr. Danny Avula, MD, MPH.
“As more scientific data showing the effectiveness of a booster dose comes in, VDH welcomes this move by the CDC and FDA. These vaccines are incredibly safe and effective, but no vaccine prevents 100 percent of illness. All vaccines’ effectiveness wanes over time, and the data show a tangible benefit to people when they receive a vaccine booster.
“And with the holidays approaching and the weather turning colder, now is the perfect time to get vaccinated if you’re 5 years or older or get a booster dose if fully vaccinated and you’re 18 years or older. Because the flu season is here, we also urge that everyone aged 6 months or older get a separate flu vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine can be safely administered at the same time as the flu shot.
“VDH stands ready to provide boosters to any Virginia adult who wants one today. Supply is not an issue, and there are multiple venues open to you to get your booster: pharmacies, your healthcare provider, your local health department, Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) strategically located around the Commonwealth and other community vaccination events. We urge you to do so in order to move forward and out of this pandemic.”
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Those who are unvaccinated remain at the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. This population remains VDH’s top priority. Everyone 5 years or older is eligible to be vaccinated. To find free vaccines at a Community Vaccination Center or another location near you, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages. At Community Vaccination Centers, appointments are strongly encouraged to ensure you get the vaccine you want and to avoid extended wait times. Some Community Vaccination Centers require appointments for children ages 5-11.
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Northern Virginia Health Districts Remind Residents to Stay Safe from COVID-19 this Holiday Season
Public Health leaders in the Northern Virginia region (Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, Arlington Counties, including all towns and municipalities- and the City of Alexandria) are encouraging residents to maintain their vigilance in preventing the spread of COVID-19 this fall and winter and throughout the holiday season.
Although Northern Virginia localities have some of the highest vaccination rates in the state, there is still substantial transmission of COVID-19 in the community, and we must remain vigilant to protect those who are not eligible for vaccination and those at higher risk for serious illness.
As we know, exposure to the virus can occur anywhere the virus is spreading. Residents of Northern Virginia live, work, play, and learn across jurisdictions so it is vital that we all continue to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition, Northern Virginia is a popular tourist destination; many travel here from areas with higher transmission levels.
“Northern Virginia residents have continually shown that we can work together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic – through testing, vaccination and staying home when sick,” said Dr. David C. Rose, health director for the City of Alexandria. “We all need to keep up our defenses throughout the expected winter surge in cases.”
Health Directors in the Northern Virginia region are closely monitoring the level of community transmission in Northern Virginia and the disease trends locally, as well as in locations where people may travel. Their recommendations are based on those trends in addition to vaccination coverage, the presence of COVID-19 variants, and other factors, to balance people’s desire to ease precautions with the importance of protecting our community.
As the fall and winter holidays approach, friends and extended families will be getting together across the region and traveling throughout the United States and globally. With more people spending time indoors with others as cold weather sets in, public health leaders encourage everyone to maintain their layered prevention activities which may include:
- Get all eligible members of your family fully vaccinated, including booster shots, if appropriate.
- Wear a mask indoors when around those not in your household.
- Stay home when sick.
- Socially distance – stay six feet from others as much as possible.
- Avoid crowded and indoor areas where distancing is not possible, or where you will be in close contact with those whose vaccination status is unknown.
- If you think you may have COVID-19 or may have been exposed, get tested and follow guidelines for isolation and quarantine.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available. This will help prevent many diseases, including the seasonal flu.
- If you are not fully vaccinated, stay away from others and get tested 3-5 days after returning home from travel.
We know from experience that the COVID-19 virus continues to be a threat to our community, that surges in COVID-19 and flu cases this fall and winter season are likely, and that continued use of mitigation strategies works to keep all of us safer against both viruses.
For more information on COVID-19, visit staywellnova.com. To find a vaccination location, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call (877) VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.