Frequently Asked Questions

Client signs in at clinic reception desk Find answers to frequently asked questions below. You also can visit the Fairfax County Health Department Services page to get to more information about services, including contact information.

Birth and Death Certificates
Health Services
Jobs and Internships

Birth and Death Certificates

Do I need an appointment to get a birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate?

No appointments are needed. Please visit one of the four Vital Records locations on Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to obtain certificates. The cost for each copy is $12 payable by cash, check, or credit card.

Can I get a birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate online?

Yes, the state of Virginia and many other states offer vital records through VitalChek.

What identification (ID) should I bring to get a certificate?

The Virginia Department of Health lists ID requirements on its Vital Records website.

Where can I get a birth or death certificate for someone born or deceased in Virginia?

Certified copies of Virginia birth and death records are available for purchase through Fairfax County Health Department at four locations: Joseph Willard Health Center, Annandale District Office, Herndon-Reston District Office and Mount Vernon District Office.

Certified copies of all Virginia vital records (birth, death, marriage and divorce) are also available for purchase by:

Applying via mail, in person, online and rush through the Virginia Department of Health Vital Records.
Applying in person through all full-service Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations, which include DMV customer service centers and DMV 2 Go mobile offices.

If you need to get a copy of your birth certificate quickly, ask about getting expedited service or shipping when you place your order, or visit VitalChek.

How would I get a birth or death certificate from another state?

For a certified copy of your birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or county where you were born for instructions on how to request a copy and get information on any fees.

How do I get an Apostille or Seal on my birth certificate or other vital record?

Please visit the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Authentications web page for more information.

I have another question that isn’t listed here.

Visit the Virginia Department of Health’s Vital Records Frequently Asked Questions web page.

Health Services

Finding and Qualifying for Health Care

I need health care but I can’t afford health insurance. Where can I go?

Neighborhood Health and HealthWorks for Northern Virginia are federally qualified health centers that provide primary medical, dental and behavioral health services to low-income individuals and families. People with Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance are also welcome. You can contact a location near you to make an appointment.

HealthWorks (North County/Reston): 703-689-2180

HealthWorks (Herndon): 703-481-8160

Neighborhood Health (Merrifield): 703-237-3446

Neighborhood Health (South County/Alexandria): 703-704-5333

You can also contact Coordinated Services Planning (CSP). CSP provides information and referrals to other community health care facilities (703) 222-0880.

What days/times can I get an appointment?

Appointments for various services can be made by calling one of our District Offices:

Annandale District Office: 703-534-8343
Herndon-Reston District Office: 703-481-4242
Joseph Willard Health Center (Fairfax): 703-246-7100
Mount Vernon District Office: 703-704-5203
Springfield District Office: 703-569-1031

Health Service Fees and Insurance Coverage

What is the Health Department’s fee scale?

Health Department fees are based on the services received. This is determined at the time of your scheduled appointment.

In some cases, the fee for service is based on a sliding fee scale (e.g., Adult Day Health Care services, sexually transmitted infection clinic services).

For a list of immunizations fees, please see the Fairfax County Health Department International Travel Immunizations page.

Does the Health Department accept Medicare or Blue Cross/Blue Shield?

Please contact your Health Insurance Provider regarding service coverage. The Health Department is considered an out of network provider, with the exception of the flu vaccine for Medicare recipients.

Immunization and Vaccination Services

How do I get a copy of my shot record?

If you received immunizations from the Fairfax County Health Department, please contact your District Office to get a copy of your record. Fees may apply.

For immunizations received outside of the Fairfax County Health Department, please contact the provider who administered the vaccines.

I can’t remember if I got shots at the Health Department. Can you look up my record?

Please contact your District Office and administrative personnel can search our database to see if you have any documented vaccines given by the Fairfax County Health Department.

I lost my child’s shot record. How will I know when they are due for vaccines?

If you received immunizations from the Fairfax County Health Department, please contact your District Office to obtain a copy of your record or make an appointment to discuss your child’s immunization status with a Public Health Nurse. Fees may apply.

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Immunization Schedule for additional information.

What vaccines do you offer for international travel?

Please visit our International Travel Immunizations page for this information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a comprehensive Travelers' Health website that identifies the recommended/required vaccines for individuals based on their travel itinerary.

What vaccines do I need for my trip to __________?

Do you offer the yellow fever vaccine? If so, on what days and during what hours?

Currently, the yellow fever vaccine is only available by appointment at the Joseph Willard Health Center.

If I had a Yellow Fever vaccine in the past, do I need booster?

A single primary dose of yellow fever vaccine provides long-lasting protection and is adequate for most travelers. An additional dose of yellow fever vaccine is recommended for certain travelers. Please call the Joseph Willard Health Center to ask if a booster is needed in your case.

Where can I get a copy of the yellow travel booklet?

Fairfax County Health Department District Offices provide clients a yellow travel booklet at the time they receive their vaccines.

Where can I get the Shingles vaccine?

Limited Shingles vaccine is available through the Health Department for adults who meet specific income and medical criteria. For more information contact your Fairfax County Health Department District Office.

You may also use this vaccine finder for list of providers.

Mental Health Services

Where can I find free or low-cost mental health resources?

The Community Services Board (CSB) offers counseling, medication, crisis response and other services for people of all ages with mental health conditions.

CSB Mental Health Intake: 703-559-3000
CSB Emergency Mental Health Services 24/7: 703-573-5679

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Services

I need an appointment for an STI test. Can I make an appointment online?

Currently the Fairfax County Health Department does not have online appointment scheduling. Please call a District Office to schedule an appointment.

What STIs do you test for?

Testing for specific STIs is determined during a scheduled clinic visit. Please visit Fairfax County Health Department's STI page for more information.

What is the cost of an STI exam and treatment?

The cost of the exam and testing is based on the services received. This is determined at the time of your scheduled appointment.

Services are also provided on a sliding fee scale so charges will be based on income.

How do I get my STI results?

Clients are given a phone number, date and time to call back after clinic to get their test results. If our clinic receives a positive test result for a client before the designated “call-back” time we will call the client directly.

Tuberculosis (TB) Services

I need a TB test. What is the cost?

The Health Department uses a blood test called the QuantiFERON® TB test (QFT) for everyone ages 2 years and older. The cost is $49.50; however, in most cases there is no charge if the test is for kindergarten through grade 12 school entry. The QFT requires a single visit to a Health Department clinic.

Please contact your local Fairfax County Health Department District Office to ask about the current fee and to schedule an appointment for this service.

I need a TB certificate for my job. What do I need to do?

Please contact your local Fairfax County Health Department District Office to schedule an appointment for this service. Please bring any documents your employer has given you. Fees may apply. A certificate will be given to you at the completion of a risk screen and/or a QuantiFERON® TB test (QFT).

Jobs and Internships

How can I apply for an internship with the Health Department?

Please contact our Internship Coordinator at HDinternships@fairfaxcounty.gov.

I’m interested in working for the Health Department? What jobs are available?

Jobs available at the Health Department vary and postings occur as positions become available. You may find employment opportunities on the Fairfax County Government website. Visit the link to view current postings of available positions.

Department Resources

Related Resources