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Childhood Immunization Program

Disease prevention is the key to public health. People who are immunized protect themselves, their families, and the community!

The Board of Supervisors has proclaimed August Immunization Awareness Month in Fairfax County. Vaccinations are available through your health care provider and the Fairfax County Health Department clinics.

Health Department clinics are providing extended hours in August and September for FREE back-to-school immunizations.

The Health Department's Immunization Program

Conducts on-site reviews of immunization records at approximately 100 facilities in the county, such as daycare centers, private/public schools and preschools to improve the immunization compliance rate.
Provides educational resources to community groups, and works with child-oriented business partners.
Offers immunizations to any child under age 18 at its five district office clinics.
Information about the recommended immunizations for children from birth to 18 years of age is available on the Health Department's Web site.

Childhood Immunization Survey Update

The recent County Immunization audit indicates that 20% of two year olds in Fairfax County are inadequately or inappropriately immunized against preventable childhood diseases. The most common vaccine missed is the fourth dose of DtaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis ) due between 15 and 18 months of age. The second vaccine likely to be missed is the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) due after the child's first birthday.

Immunization Awareness Activities

Picture of Owl be wise immunize The Immunization Project presents the "It's Wise to Immunize " puppet show at Fairfax County Public Libraries. This program is designed for mothers and their infants, toddlers and preschoolers to learn about the importance of immunizing and to soothe some of the children's fears of getting a shot. If you belong to a mother's group or deal with toddlers and their parents in a group setting and are interested in the immunization puppet show at your organization in Fairfax County call 703- 246-8648. For more information about the National Immunization Project, please visit the Centers for Disease Web site.