COVID Resources
Covid-19 Information
Pfizer Covid Booster Shots Available
Certain groups can now get booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTec COVID 19 vaccine recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The vaccines are available through a variety of grocery stores and pharmacies such as Walgreen’s and CVS.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the booster for:
- people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings who should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
- people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
- people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
- people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
The FDA gave emergency approval for the booster to groups at risk from exposure to the virus, including “health care workers, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers and those in homeless shelters or prisons, among others,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.
The government was still studying the effectiveness and safety of Moderna and Johnson and Johnson booster as of Oct.6.
Where to get the shot
The state of Virginia has information on Covid 19 vaccines, including boosters, at:
https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/
Arlington County is offering additional, or third, doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to certain immunocompromised people. Effective Sept. 25, 2021: Appointments are required for an additional dose. For more information go to: https://www.arlingtonva.us/covid-19/vaccines/registration/
Walgreen’s vaccination site is: Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine.
The CVS is at: www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
Walmart is also offering booster shots. Its vaccine website is at: www.walmart.com/cp/immunizations-flu-shots/1228302
Health and Human Services IG Warns about COVID-19 Scams
Scammers are using telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits to perpetrate COVID-19-related fraud on the public, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services inspector general’s office.
Here are some of the fraudulent attempts to steal money or personal information.
- Scammers are using social media to perpetrate COVID-19 fraud. In one major scheme, fraudsters hack social media accounts and send direct messages to beneficiaries while posing as a friend or government employee.
An impersonator falsely claims the targeted individual is eligible for government grants (citing various reasons like COVID-19, disability, etc.) and urges them to call a phone number to collect the funds.
Upon calling, the beneficiary is asked to pay a “processing fee” (using bank account information, gift cards, bitcoin) to receive the grant money. In return, targets of this scam never receive any money, but often large sums of their money are stolen from them. These alleged grants are entirely illegitimate.
- Fraudsters are also offer COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate.
- In another scheme, some medical labs are targeting retirement communities claiming to offer COVID-19 tests, but they are actually drawing blood and billing federal health care programs for medically unnecessary services.
For more information on COVID 19 scams and steps to avoid being taken by them, go to https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/consumer-alerts/fraud-alert-covid-19-scams/
For more information on testing, vaccine sites and other local COVID-19 information go to St. John’s website at: http://www.stjohnsarlingtonva.org/ and click on COVID Resources in the menu on the left.
County Remains at ‘Substantial” Rate of Covid Spread
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently moved Arlington County into the Substantial rate of COVID-19 transmission. Substantial ranges from 50 to 100 cases per week per 100,000 county residents. St. John’s current practices, including masking and air circulation, are still sufficient protection when gathering in the church.
The CDC now uses a total number of new cases over a 7-day period to compute new cases per 100,000 residents. As of Wednesday, Oct 6,sdd there were 232 new cases over the previous 7 days, which works out to nearly 80 new cases per 100,000 residents. That is solidly in the substantial range of community transmission.
St. John's leadership asks you to continue wearing masks in St. John's, worship and stay home if displaying symptoms of COVID-19, quarantine if you are exposed and not vaccinated, and continue regular practices of washing and sanitizing hands.
Meanwhile, as of Oct. 3, 70.3 percent of Arlington County residents 12 years and above have been fully vaccinated. Some 7.3 percent have received at least one dose. The remaining 22.4 percent have not been vaccinated.
We will continue to monitor our area closely and especially take steps to safeguard those who are unable to be vaccinated in our midst, and contribute our part to navigate out of the pandemic.
(NOTE: Based on emerging evidence on the Delta variant (2), CDC recommends that fully vaccinated persons wear masks in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. Fully vaccinated persons might consider wearing a mask in public indoor settings, regardless of transmission level, if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or is at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated (including children aged less than 12 years who are currently ineligible for vaccination).
Latest CDC Guidelines
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
- Fully vaccinated people might choose to mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated. People who are at increased risk for severe disease include older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, overweight or obesity, and heart conditions.
- Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- If you came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 get tested 3-5 days after the date of your exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result.
- Isolate if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow any applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.
People who are immunocompromised should be counseled about the potential for reduced immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines and to follow current prevention measures (including wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others they don’t live with, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces) regardless of their vaccination status to protect themselves against COVID-19 until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
For more information go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html
Vaccination in Arlington
Everyone, 12 and older, who lives in Virginia is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you are age 12 or older and have not yet been fully vaccinated, please visit Vaccinate.Virginia.gov now to find vaccination clinics near you. Many clinics offer walk-in service in addition to appointments.
If you have questions, call 877-VAX-in-VA (877-829-4682), seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 additional languages.
Video assistance in American Sign Language is available at Vaccinate.Virginia.gov.
Virginia's Covid-19 Guidelines for Fully VaccinatedOfficials continue to learn how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, they advise that after you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more."
More information on Virginia's Covid 19 response is available at: https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
ARLINGTON COUNTY COVID-19 Resources
Vaccination in Arlington County
Vaccine Clinics
Arlington County’s Public Health Division is offering free, walk-in vaccine clinics to individuals ages 12 and up, no appointments required.
For more information go to: https://www.arlingtonva.us/covid-19/vaccines/registration/
|
Arlington Mill Community Center
Walter Reed Community Center |
Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Moderna/Pfizer Johnson & Johnson |
Walk-in or Schedule an Appointment through VAMS*
Note: Walk-in and scheduled appointments are available for 1st and 2nd doses; Additional doses and booster doses require an appointment |
Please note: Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive their free COVID-19 vaccine. Please bring any form of identification to confirm your identity (examples include utility bill, paystub, insurance card or a driver’s license).
These clinics are ONLY for first dose (Moderna or Pfizer) or single dose (Johnson & Johnson).
Second Dose appointments
Individuals will receive instructions at the end of their first dose on how to obtain their second dose.For questions or scheduling assistance for second dose appointments, call the County’s COVID-19 hotline at 703-228-7999.
Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you by searching on Vaccines.gov.
Arlington vaccination sites, dates and times are also listed at: https://www.arlingtonva.us/covid-19/vaccines/registration/
Arlington County’s COVID-19 Hotline: 703-228-7999
Testing information is available in the following languages:
If you know of other COVID-19 resources in Arlington, please send the information to Bill Pritchard at: pritchardpix@aol.com
Testing Sites in the Region
www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/
OtherLinks and Resources
Arlington County COVID-19 information and resources are available at: https://www.arlingtonva.us/covid-19/
Arlington COVID-19 Hotline: 703-228-7999
HOURS: Mon–Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Closed Sunday)
COVID-19 Testing in Northern Virginia
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/
Food, Financial, and Medical Assistance
https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/food-financial-and-medical-assistance/
Arlington Public Schools Free Breakfast/Lunch
https://www.apsva.us/school-year-2020-21/meal-services/
Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Update
https://www.apsva.us/school-year-2020-21/
Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)
Arlington Thrive (Same-day, emergency financial assistance for Arlington residents)
Housing Resources
https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/housing-resources/
FAQs for Renters
https://housing.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-faqs-for-tenants-and-landlords/
Mental Wellness Guide
https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/covid-19-mental-wellness/
Posters and Materials in Other Languages
(THE SITE FROM HERE ON DOWN IS BEING UPDATED)
FAIRFAX COUNTY
Fairfax County Public Health Department COVID-19 Page:https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus
Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19.
Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Fairfax Human Services Resource Guide: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hsrg/
Provides information for food, housing, financial assistance, medical, domestic violence, housing, clothing, and other resources
COVID 19 Specific Fairfax Human Services Resource Guide:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/HSRG/Pages/SeasonalAnnouncementsData.aspx
Fairfax Public Schools - Continuing Free School Lunch Program
https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update-food-resources
Offering grab and go meals at schools, and at other locations.
Fairfax Coordinated access to Food, Financial, and Medical Assistance
Coordinated Services Planning - call 703-222-0880, TTY 711
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA
KIOSK TESTING SITES
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) launched 3 free kiosk-based testing sites on January 7, in partnership with the private testing company Curative. Walk-up testing is available, although appointments are encouraged and may be made at Curative.com. Kiosk service is available in English and Spanish.
Kiosk sites and hours of operation:t
- Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Avenue
- Monday through Friday, 3 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive
- Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street
- Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More information on Alexandria's Covid-19 measures is at: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus
VOLUNTEERING
Arlington County Medical Reserve Corps.
https://health.arlingtonva.us/medical-reserve-corps/
American Red Cross
https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=rco_opportunity_browse_list
Episcopal Diocese of Virginia Covid Resources
http://www.thediocese.net/news-and-events/covid-19-resources/outreach-and-partner-ministries/
Site includes the following:
-
Best Practices for Food Pantries
-
Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations
- Reducing Social Stigma during a Public Health Crisis
- Employment and Financial Crises
- Homelessness and COVID-19
- Managing Anxiety and Stress
- Coronavirus and Addiction