COVID-19 Vaccine | Health - Fairfax County

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Health Department Alert:

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine Key Updates

10/8/2025 Update:

On October 6, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made minor updates to recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.

People aged 6 months and older can receive the vaccine based on individual-based decision-making with a healthcare provider (which includes a pharmacist).

In Virginia, no prescription is needed for people aged 3 years and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy. However, not all pharmacies vaccinate children. Please call ahead or check the website of your local pharmacy to understand the age groups that they serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Department of Health Information as of October 8, 2025

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine in Virginia?

• People aged 6 months and older can receive the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines based on individual-based decision-making with a healthcare provider. This includes pharmacists.
• Other professional organizations have published their COVID-19 recommendations that differ from CDC’s recommendations. This includes:
  • American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
  • ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
• People interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine should talk to a healthcare provider.

What is shared clinical /individual-based decision making?

• Shared clinical/individual-based decision making is a healthcare decision that is individually based.
• It is informed by a decision process between the healthcare provider and the patient or parent/guardian.
• Pharmacists can provide this kind of decision-making for COVID-19 vaccines.
• Learn more about Shared Clinical Decision-Making Recommendations.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy without a prescription?

• Yes. In Virginia, people aged 3 years and older may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy without a prescription.
  • People can receive a vaccine based on individual-based decision making with a healthcare provider – this includes a pharmacist.
• Some pharmacies do not vaccinate young children – so check with them first about age requirements.

When will I be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

• COVID-19 vaccines are available at many locations.
• Contact your local pharmacy or healthcare provider about the availability of vaccine appointments.

Do I need to get the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine?

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is very important because it:

• Protects you from getting very sick from the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • This protection is especially important if you’re at high-risk of severe illness.
  • Helps prevent the spread and keep others safe, especially those who can’t get vaccines, like babies, people with certain health problems, or pregnant women.
• Talk with a healthcare provider if you have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

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