Fredericksburg Parent

24 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • February 2022 Now Offers FREE Testing at New Convenient Location Sponsored Material As the world marks two years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are understandably exhausted. From navigating ever-changing work and school schedules, to managing worries about the health and safety of family members, parents have been under immense stress during the pandemic. While the Omicron variant surge is driving record- high caseloads and placing a new level of strain on hospitals and healthcare workers, it's important to remember that we have an array of tools at our disposal that can help us mitigate the spread and severity of new virus variants, so that families can continue to safely engage in school, work and other important activities. Using a layered approach that relies on vaccinations, masking, testing and common-sense habits offers a path forward to help your family continue to enjoy the benefits of in-person activities while limiting the risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19. Vaccines, Tests and Masks are Important Tools to Keep Kids Progressing This School Year VACCINES PREVENT SEVERE ILLNESS Vaccinations remain the best way to prevent serious illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Everyone ages 5 and older is now eligi- ble to receive an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. Pre-registration for these free vaccines is no longer required, and individuals can visit vaccinate.virginia.gov to find a location. The Virginia Department of Health recommends individuals 12 and older receive booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. • For individuals ages 12 to 17, a Pfizer booster dose is recommended 5 months after completion of the first Pfizer vaccine series. • For individuals 18 and older, any COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is recommended 5 months after completion of a Pfizer or Moderna primary series. • For individuals 18 and older, any COVID-19 vaccine booster is recommended 2 months after receiving a primary Johnson & Johnson vaccine dose. Vaccines and boosters are conveniently available at the Rappahannock Area Health District's Community Vaccination Center, located in the Central Park Shopping Center in Fredericksburg. Located at 1877 Carl D. Silver Parkway, the center is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome for everyone including children ages 5-11, but appointments are strongly recom- mended to avoid a wait. Visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call (877) VAX- IN-VA (877) 829-4682. WRITTEN BY EMILY FREEHLING Virginia Department of Health

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