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People in the Norfolk area who need first and second doses or boosters of COVID-19 vaccines may get free shots at Military Circle mall five days a week starting Saturday.
The Virginia Department of Health announced the expanded schedule Tuesday as a means of addressing the increased number of people eligible to get vaccines following the recent federal approval of Pfizer booster shots.
Virginians 65 and older who received first and second doses of Pfizer qualify for a booster. People who are ages 18 and up who have underlying medical conditions or live or work in a high-risk setting also qualify.
All eligible individuals must be six months past their last Pfizer shot to get one.
Vaccinators aren’t required to independently verify people’s COVID-19 vaccination statuses, but some may check vaccination history records to ensure they meet eligibility. People with underlying medical conditions or jobs in high-risk settings won’t have to prove it.
The new schedule, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, brings with it a new group of vaccinators. Hill said the local public health staff are stepping aside and a state contractor, Ashbritt, will be stepping in.
The location, at the old Macy’s department store, will be one of three new community vaccination clinics overseen by the state. Ones in Fairfax and Prince William are beginning this week as well.
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency wrapped up its clinic in the old Macy’s on May 22. Since then, public health workers from the Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Chesapeake health departments have collaborated to continue offering shots there two days a week.
Appointments are encouraged but not necessary.
Anyone 12 or older who lives or works in Virginia is eligible. Those under 18 require a parent or guardian.
The site, at 880 N. Military Highway, will continue to offer first and second doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. People with weakened immune systems may also get a third dose of either Pfizer or Moderna’s shots.
A different contractor will administer free standard nasal swab tests at the clinic from 2-6 p.m. Mondays for ages 3 and up.
For more information on where to find vaccines, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or www.vaccines.gov. For phone assistance, call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA.
Elisha Sauers, 757-839-4754, elisha.sauers@pilotonline.com
Clarification Oct. 6, 2021: Though vaccinators aren't required to independently verify people's COVID-19 vaccination statuses, some vaccinators may check individuals' vaccination history.