COVID Vaccinations For Ages 5 To 11 Begin In Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Virginia Department of Health is now providing free COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 5 to 11 at the state-run community vaccination center at the former Home Gallery Store at Central Park in Fredericksburg.

On Thursday, 248 pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine were administered to children ages 5 to 11 at the Central Park location, the first day COVID-19 vaccines for this age group were available at the community vaccination center, according to the Rappahannock Area Health District.

About 250 appointments will be available for children ages 5 to 11 each day at the Central Park community vaccination center, at 1877 Carl D. Silver Parkway.

Appointments are required for 5-to-11-year olds at the site through Nov. 14. After that date, parents or guardians will be welcome to show up with their children to get the vaccine, although appointments will still be encouraged, RAHD said.

The Central Park location is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

SEE ALSO: COVID Vaccine For Kids Under 12: Where To Get One In Virginia

To make an appointment for a child, visit vase.vdh.virginia.gov and input "22401" into the zip code search bar to schedule an appointment at the Central Park community vaccination center, or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).

Parents can book appointments beginning Saturday at Walgreens and Sunday at CVS across Virginia.

The Pfizer vaccine used for 5-to-11-year-olds has the same active ingredient as that given to adults but will be provided in a different formulation due to its lower dosage.

Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and booster shots also are available each day at the Central Park community vaccination center. For those age 12 and up, appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will be accommodated.

People with an appointment should plan to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes prior to the appointment time. Anyone who has received a prior COVID-19 vaccine should bring their vaccine card or their vaccine record with a QR code.

People who need a copy of their vaccine record should visit vaccinate.virginia.gov.