Childhood Immunization Updates

Childhood Immunization information for
Fairfax County, Virginia

1. Immunization Legislation
2. Survey Update
3. Immunization Awareness Activities

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.

The program also provides educational resources to community groups, and works with child-oriented business partners. The Health Department offers immunizations to any child under age 18 at its five district office clinics.

In FY 2005, the agency vaccinated 20,592 children under age 18 against childhood diseases, delivering 32,644 shots, most of which were provided free of charge.

New Legislation effective October 1, 2008

HPV –Human papillomavirus vaccine. On 2/24/2007, the state legislature voted to require females to receive 3 properly spaced doses of HPV, the first dose to be administered before a child enters sixth grade. Parents will be permitted to opt their child out of receiving this vaccine. Additional information about HPV is available on the Health Department's site.

Legislation effective July 1, 2006 for school entry

Tdap-Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine is required for all students entering grade six who have not received a dose of TD (tetanus toxoid) within the past 5 years. Additional information about Tdap is available on the Health Department's site.

Legislation effective July 1, 2001 for school Entry

Hepatitis B Vaccine for Sixth Grade. Additional information about Hepatitis B is available on the Health Department's 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.

Activities

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.