Fairfax County Health Department provides pre-travel consultations and many immunizations that are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prior to international travel for adults and children.
The Health Department only provides yellow fever vaccine by appointment at Joseph Willard Health Center and Springfield District Office. See the Yellow Fever Vaccine section on this page for more information.
What You Need to Know Before You Travel
- The Health Department provides international travel immunization services to people who live in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Residents of other jurisdictions should contact their local health department for the Yellow Fever Vaccine and other travel vaccines. There are several places you can get vaccines and medicine before you travel.
- International travel services are available by appointment only. Call one of the Health Department's five district offices to make an appointment.
- International travel appointments should be made at least two weeks prior to travel to ensure your body has time to build immunity following vaccinations.
- Visit CDC's website to learn more about the type of vaccines that are recommended for your destination.
- Bring all immunization records to your appointment, including your yellow travel card if you have one.
- A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors.
- Bring a list of prescription medications that you are currently taking, including dosage information.
- An appointment with a medical doctor is required for all travelers who:
- Require a prescription for malaria prevention.
- Are less than 12 months old.
- Are greater than 60 years old and need yellow fever vaccine.
- Are immunocompromised.
- Are pregnant.
![Protect your child from measles Measles is still common in many parts of the world. Unvaccinated travelers who get measles in other countries continue to bring the disease into the United States. [Illustration of a plane flying around the world] Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine: MMR 1st dost at 12-15 months 2nd dose at 4-6 years [Illustration of MMR vaccine] Traveling abroad with your child? Infants 6 to 11 months old need 1 dose of measles vaccine before traveling abroad. Children 12 months and older should receive 2 doses before travel. Check with your pediatrician before leaving on your trip to make sure your children are protected. [logo] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/sites/health/files/Assets/images/news/measles-travel-infographic.jpg)
Measles is still common in many places, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Every year, measles is brought into the United States by unvaccinated travelers, most often Americans and sometimes foreign visitors, who get measles while they are in other countries.