Arlington Offering Free COVID-19 Vaccines for 5–11-Year-Olds

On Sat, Nov. 6, Arlington County Public Health will begin offering free COVID-19 vaccines by appointment to children ages 5–11 years old at Walter Reed Community Center and Arlington Mill Community Center. Clinics designated specifically for this age group will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13 and 14, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

This follows the expansion of Pfizer’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to children in this age group, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

“The Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 in children. This approval is a critical step towards protecting our kids and keeping other vulnerable community members safe. We encourage all parents to get their children vaccinated when they become eligible,” said Dr. Reuben Varghese, Arlington County Public Health Director.

Find a Vaccine for Your Child
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5–11-year-olds will be available at Arlington County Public Health Division clinics and pharmacies, searchable through Vaccines.gov. Your child’s pediatrician may also offer the vaccine.In the early weeks of distribution, vaccine supply may be limited. As supplies increase, so too will appointment availability.

Arlington County Public Health Division Clinics
Arlington County’s Public Health Division (ACPHD) will be offering COVID-19 vaccine by appointment only at Walter Reed Community Center and Arlington Mill Community Center. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Please note: Children ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive their free COVID-19 vaccine.

• Sat, Nov. 6 and Sun. Nov. 7 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
• Mon, Nov. 8 – Fri. Nov. 12 (2 p.m.–7 p.m.)
• Sat, Nov. 13 and Sun. Nov. 14 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) Note: These clinics are exclusively for 5–11-year-olds; Vaccine for people ages 12+ will not be offered

Appointments for ACPHD clinics can be made online though the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) — select the option labeled “Schedule a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine appointment (age 5-11).If you need ADA accommodations or require assistance scheduling your appointment with Arlington County Public Health, call 703-228-7999.

Vaccines.gov

• Schedule an appointment.
• Text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX) or to 822862 (VACUNA) to find nearby vaccine locations.NOTE: Vaccines.gov is in the process of being updated to include an option for Pfizer (ages 5-11).

Pediatricians

• Contact your child’s pediatrician to ask if they are offering the vaccine to patients.

Help for Families
APS families who attend Abingdon, Barcroft, Barrett, Campbell, Carlin Springs, Dr. Charles R. Drew, Hoffman-Boston and Randolph elementary schools can get additional help with scheduling their COVID-19 vaccine appointments through Arlington County.

• Families can call 703-228-2985 between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday not including holidays (English or Spanish).
• Families will need a cell phone that can receive text messages with them at the time of the call for assistance.
• Staff will verify school of attendance by using a student ID number and demographic information (e.g., address, date of birth, etc.) to verify identity.

Other families who need additional help can call 703-228-7999.

Approximately 13,000 children ages 5–11 live in Arlington. Arlington County encourages everyone 5 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, visit the County’s COVID-19 website. Frequently Asked Questions are available on the APS website as well as the Arlington County website.