News Flash

May 13, 2021 - The Centers for Disease Control this week added people aged 12-15 to the list of those who should get vaccinated against COVID-19. Beginning Friday, May 14, those age groups will be eligible for a free Pfizer vaccine at the Hampton Coliseum clinic.

It is recommended people reserve a time (see hampton.gov/covid) but walk-ups are accepted. The clinic is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A parent or guardian must accompany a minor. Only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for those 12-17.

Though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization. There have also been rare, tragic cases of children dying from COVID-19 and its effects, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C. If you have additional questions, talk to your child’s doctor.

“Generally, adolescents who contract COVID-19 usually do not develop severe symptoms, but they contribute to the spread of COVID-19. Vaccinating adolescents, along with the rest of Virginia’s eligible population, will help stop the spread of COVID-19 and make our communities safer,” said Dr. Danny Avula, Virginia’s vaccination coordinator. “Getting this safe, effective vaccine means that these adolescents won’t have to miss school, sporting events or other activities if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19, taking another step toward getting their lives back to normal.”

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots to be fully effective. Health officials note that up to 10 percent of Virginians did not return for their second shot. There is no longer a requirement that people return to the same place for their second shot; however, they must get the same manufacturer's vaccine. Although the recommended time between shots is 3 weeks for Pfizer and 4 weeks for Moderna, CDC officials say the shots can be given as far apart as 6 weeks and still be effective. Adults can receive the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is also available at the Hampton Coliseum.

To schedule a second shot, you can look at area clinics and see what vaccine is being offered at hampton.gov/covid.. Links are provided for the main Hampton Coliseum clinic, plus links to pharmacies and medical practices.

Currently, about 37% of Virginians have been fully vaccinated; however, "herd immunity" won't be reached until 75-80% of the population is vaccinated.