News release from the Virginia Department of Health
The Virginia Department of Health’s Pittsylvania-Danville Health District encourages everyone to remain healthy during the new year by getting their COVID-19 vaccination or booster. To help this effort, Pittsylvania-Danville Health District is hosting vaccination clinics at area elementary schools during January.
“Being vaccinated and boosted is especially important now with the rise in cases caused by the omicron variant of the virus. These more contagious strains can spread quickly and vaccines are our best hope to end the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Director of Pittsylvania-Danville and Southside Health Districts Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH. “While the vaccine does not guarantee a person will not get COVID-19, it has proven to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death for millions who have received them already.”
The clinics will offer first, second, additional primary and booster doses at no cost to the public. The Moderna vaccine and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson are available for anyone 18 and older. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available for anyone 5 years and older. A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18. The clinics will be held:
- Saturday, January 8, from 9 to 11 a.m., Johnson Elementary School, 680 Arnett Blvd., Danville
- Saturday, January 15, 9 to 11 a.m., Park Avenue Elementary School, 661 Park Ave., Danville
Register in advance at vase.vdh.virginia.gov/. If you have any trouble registering or need additional assistance, call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). English- and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Translation services also are available in more than 100 languages.
Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome. Those with an appointment should plan to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes prior to the appointment time.
The experience of getting a COVID-19 vaccine will be very similar to the experience of getting routine vaccines. Parents can check out these tips on talking to their child about what to expect. For more about vaccinating children and teens, parents can visit the CDC website.
The Pfizer BioNTech booster vaccine can be obtained by anyone 16 and older at least six months from the date of their second mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine or at least two months from the date of their Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
The Moderna or Johnson & Johnson booster vaccine can be obtained by anyone 18 and older at least six months from the date of their second mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine or at least two months from the date of their Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster dose may choose which vaccine product they would like to receive as a booster. For those individuals that choose a different product than their primary series, VDH urges you to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider who can assist you in making the best decision for your own situation.
If you are coming for your second, third or booster dose, please bring your vaccine card to confirm the date and type of vaccine you received in previous doses.
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, its safety and answers to frequently asked questions at VDH’s website and CDC’s website.