Health Department Alert:
As the 2023-24 school year ends and summer begins, it’s a great time for children to get up to date on their immunizations. Parents and caregivers are urged to make an appointment for their child now with their health care provider to avoid the last-minute rush before the 2024-25 school year starts.
Immunizations are the most effective way to protect your child from serious illness and prevent them from missing school and other activities because they are sick. By ensuring your child is vaccinated, you not only protect them but also stop the spread of illness in schools and communities.
Parents of students entering kindergarten, 7th grade, and 12th grade should be aware of the Virginia immunization requirements.
Vaccines are available in our community. Find an immunization location that works for you.
Visit a Health Department Clinic. The Fairfax County Health Department offers immunizations to all Fairfax County students as well those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations, need a booster, and to people who are new to country.
In addition to regular clinic hours, the Health Department is offering several extended hours clinics to ensure children receive the immunizations they need for school. These clinics are open to all Fairfax County students who need immunizations, regardless of if they have had vaccines in the past, are new to the country, or need a follow-up to be up to date.
Call today! Appointments are limited and required. Schedule your appointment by calling 703-246-7100.
Find a community clinic. Inova Cares Clinic for Families provides childhood immunizations for patients who qualify for Medicaid, FAMIS, Inova’s Financial Assistance Program, or are uninsured. Learn more.
HealthWorks for Northern Virginia and Neighborhood Health provide healthcare, including vaccinations, for children, families, and individuals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Don’t wait to schedule your appointment. Make sure your children are up to date on their immunizations as soon as possible to help them have healthy school year.
Visit our website to see childhood and required school immunizations and the recommended vaccine schedule.
Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a disease caused by an influenza (flu) A virus, such as H5N1. Bird flu is contagious and infects poultry (e.g., chickens, turkey, ducks) and other wild birds. H5N1 bird flu is widespread in bird populations and has caused the deaths of millions of birds in the United States. This same H5N1 virus also been identified as recently infecting dairy cattle herds in 9 states.
At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the risk of H5N1 bird flu infection for the general public who do not have exposure to infected animals remains low. There have been no reported H5N1 bird flu infections in dairy cows or people in Virginia.
Human bird flu infections are rare, but possible. Bird flu can spread to humans from infected animals when enough virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose, or mouth or is inhaled. Recently there have been three human cases associated with an ongoing multistate outbreak in U.S. dairy cows (one additional case was identified in 2022 with no links to cows). To date, there has been no evidence of person-to-person spread of H5N1. However, people with close, long, unprotected contact with infected animals, or environments contaminated by infected animals are at higher risk of getting infected. So far, such infections have been rare.
Backyard poultry can carry germs that can make you sick. Follow general guidance keep you and your backyard flock healthy. Watch this video about keeping your flock healthy.
Bird flu can spread quickly in your flock. Prevent contact with wild birds. Know the signs of bird flu and have a plan for what to do if your birds get sick.
And always wash your hands with soap and water before and right after handling eggs, chickens, or anything in their environment.
Domesticated poultry can get infected with bird flu viruses through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. See this infographic about how backyard poultry can spread bird flu to people (Spanish version).
According to the CDC, infected birds may show one or more of the following signs:
An occasional unexplained bird death is normal. Several dead or ill birds in your flock is not normal. If there is no obvious cause of death and you see any sign of illness in your birds, take steps to protect yourself:
Additionally, you should check yourself for symptoms for 10 days after the last day of exposure to potentially infected birds or contaminated materials. See a healthcare provider if you become ill (even if symptoms are mild) after contact with sick birds and let them know before your visit of your recent exposure and symptoms. Stay away from other people and do not go to work or school until you have been evaluated.
See more detailed information from the CDC about protecting yourself from Bird Flu.
See more information and resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture about protecting your flock.
Everyone can take steps to protect themselves from bird flu.
For the information on the most recent bird flu developments in the U.S., please visit the CDC Current Situation Summary page or the VDH Novel and Variant Influenza (Flu) A Viruses page.
Visit our web page and follow us on social media for updates on bird flu as they are available and other health topics.
Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Chronic conditions — like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes — are persistent health conditions that require ongoing management and care. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) empowers those living with chronic disease to care for their physical and mental well-being through education, skills, and support.
Binbin Yang, Senior Community Health Specialist who works primarily with the Chinese community, in collaboration with Silver Light Seniors Association conducts a CDSMP workshop in Chinese. Participants meet every Monday for six weeks at Lake Anne House, where they develop skills, set goals, and create personalized action plans for the following week. “The action plan is a crucial part of CDSMP,” said Binbin.
“Participants utilize self-management tools and skills they learned from the workshop, integrate their cultural traditions and routines into the action plan, gradually change their health behaviors, and become better chronic disease self-managers.”
By taking things one week at a time, participants are able to incorporate accessible and lasting techniques they can use to manage their illness.
By the end of the six-week program, participants often demonstrate significant improvements in pain levels, exercise, cognitive symptom management, fatigue, and increased confidence in their ability to manage their chronic illness.
To learn more about the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program email hdoutreach@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is proclaiming May Fight the Bite Awareness Month in Fairfax County and encouraging residents to take preventative actions to prevent tick and mosquito bites.
The bite of an infected mosquito or tick can lead to a life-changing illness. West Nile virus and Lyme disease are two of the vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, respectively, in our region.
Taking simple precautions when spending time outdoors can make an impact on both individual and public health.
The Fairfax County Health Department recommends residents use insect repellents that contain EPA-registered ingredients like DEET or picaridin to prevent bites. Follow product instructions when using repellents. In addition, residents can:
The Health Department offers residents a free tick-identification service. If you find a tick on yourself or loved one, you can submit a photo online, mail it in, or bring it to our facility. Our Environmental Health staff will identify it and provide you with information about the type of tick and what diseases that tick may transmit. Please note: this service does not test ticks for disease and our staff do not provide medical advice. This identification can be useful if you need to speak to a medical provider.
Education and awareness are also important ways to prevent mosquito and tick-borne disease. To help spread the word, the Health Department continues to work with community partners to provide prevention information. Learn how to prevent and control mosquitoes in your yard with a free yard inspection and why tipping and tossing standing water disrupts the mosquito life cycle.
In addition, the 20th Anniversary of the Fight the Bite calendar will be going home with all FCPS 4th graders in June. Copies will also be available for pick up at the Health Department Administration building.
Learn more about the Disease Carrying Insect Program and how you can help fight the bite.
Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
It has been said of Denise Bagayoko, “You are not just a diligent team player but a culinary master with a generous spirit. Your thoughtfulness in taking care of us through the simple act of shared meals has created a sense of community and comfort. You are a priceless addition to our team.” So, if she ever offers to make you a waffle, accept!
Denise came to the Environmental Health Division at the Fairfax County Health Department in 2023 when the dental program transitioned operations to the federally qualified health centers in Fairfax County. When asked how she felt about the transition and what she expected, her response was not surprising. Denise said, “I worked for 22 years in dental and did not even use a computer. I was already working for the Health Department, but I did not know about Environmental Health and what it really means. I had no clue about Environmental Health.”
When Denise worked for the dental program, her interactions primarily centered around children and sometimes pregnant women. “I could have taken a new position in Leesburg but that would have [meant] retiring in Fairfax and starting over.” As Denise reflected, she said “I miss my kids, the children, a lot. I call them my kids because I really got to know a lot of them.” And then she smiled and continued, “But I enjoy learning new things and everyone here is helpful. I’m lucky.”
Suffice it to say, Denise seems to have made a home in the Environmental Health Division, too, working as an environmental technician and bringing her culinary skills to the forefront.
Recently the division was approached by City of Falls Church to collaborate on an outreach effort related to grease traps in local restaurants. Grease traps serve to collect the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) for disposal rather than allowing it to continue through the sewer lines to water treatment facilities. Many municipalities encounter sewage backups or overflows related to FOG. In response to the Falls Church request, the team created a quick survey on an app then had staff go out to the restaurants and meet with owners to discuss FOG, grease traps, and maintenance schedules. With her skillset, Denise was a critical member of the FOG team.
“Staff here knew I was a cook at a local restaurant,” said Denise. “They asked if I could assist since I also speak Vietnamese. I was excited for the opportunity to be involved.”
Not only was Denise able to talk “restaurant talk” with the owners, but she could also converse with them in their own language, who learned Vietnamese from her mother. When asked what it was like talking to Vietnamese restaurant owners, Denise shared, “I teased them, I said ‘Don’t run, [we’re] not here for checking food. We just want to talk’.” As it turned out, that set the owners at ease and made the conversation more comfortable. She said that they introduced themselves and she and a fellow coworker explained that they were there to check on the grease trap and provide information and guidance. It was not an inspection.
Once the restaurant owners realized this, they relaxed and talked. Owners pointed out the grease trap and share any records on cleaning, if appropriate. Denise smiled recalling the visits saying, “It was a good experience for all of us because they were happy with our conversation and understood what we were saying since no language barrier.”
Denise saw a few familiar faces, too. And those she didn’t know, she was quick to relate to them. She even shared with some that she was the one to print and mail their “Permit to Operate” document. And those with expired permits, well, she shared a gentle reminder to renew and even helped them start the process.
Denise’s approach was pretty simple and definitely successful. After hearing her experience, it’s hard to believe she wasn’t sure about Environmental Health. She’s a natural fit and a welcome team member.
Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Fresh off a weekend 5K, Savita Sood, was excitedly talking about becoming a grandmother for a second time and looking forward to spending quality time with her 2½ old granddaughter who’s already committed to running with Savita in 2025. For those who know Savita, you know she is committed to her family and living a healthy lifestyle. Savita’s love for exercise may only be rivaled by her love for cooking. But you’ll see that same passion come alive when she talks about her work as a Tuberculosis public health nurse for the Fairfax County Health Department where she’s worked for the last 28 years.
Savita, who hails from England, was born to parents who grew up in northern India. It was important to her parents that Savita and her siblings foster a deep appreciation for their culture and heritage, so they traveled to India frequently to visit relatives and attended boarding school there for five years. According to Savita, she wanted to become a nurse, but that occupation was discouraged by her family who wanted her to pursue the science track. Conflicted over choosing an occupation, Savita emigrated to the United States and worked as a lab tech. Shortly after coming to the US, her husband suffered a health crisis which pushed Savita to earn her nursing degree to ensure she could support her young family, if necessary.
Her first job out of nursing school was as a clinic nurse for the Mount Vernon District Office. Savita loved working with her clients, providing them with the education needed to improve their health. She noticed that clients who came from India paid particular attention to what she had to say.
“I found it really makes an impact when I share with my clients that I can speak their language, whether its Hindi, Punjabi, or Urdu,” says Savita. “You can tell they feel safer and more secure when they hear their own language in a foreign land.”
While Savita enjoyed working as a clinic nurse, she found herself drawn to helping the residents of Fairfax who suffer from Tuberculosis (or TB), a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air and generally affects the lungs. Not everyone infected with TB germs becomes sick. But they can carry the germs that can make them sick months to many years later - this is known as latent TB infection (or inactive TB). Once TB becomes active, it can make someone very sick and can even cause death. Symptoms include a cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer, pain in the chest, coughing up blood, weakness, fever and night sweats. TB is found in all countries. Anyone can get TB, but some people are at greater risk of TB than others. This is because of a range of social, economic, and demographic factors.
Treatment for TB can take many months, depending on the regimen. Fairfax County Health Department TB nurses help treat clients with TB for extended periods of time, allowing for connections to form. These connections are especially important for people who may have reservations about treatment due to language and cultural barriers.
“TB is a big problem in India and there is stigma associated with the disease,” says Savita. “In India it is generally thought of as a disease of the poor, but when I explain that anyone can get TB, not just the poor, there is some reassurance. Through education and being able to connect with my clients, I am able to put their fears to rest and they are more open to treatment.”
According to Savita, she makes a point to go to Temple and talk with families. “I volunteer in the free clinic. People get to know me,” says Savita.
“It makes a difference.”
Over the years, her family has come to regard Savita’s calling and are proud to share how she is changing lives one TB case at a time. Savita says that working at the health department has been a gift.
“With the birth of my next grandchild, we are striving to maintain the connections with my family in India,” says Savita. This is what we do, we ensure our culture remains alive for generations to come.”
Three Live Healthy Award winners were recognized at the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Spring meeting last week.
The Live Healthy Fairfax Awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrated exemplary leadership and action to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and populations across the Fairfax Health District. Their work aligns with the goals of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), specifically in the areas of Behavioral Health, Healthy Eating/Fairfax Food Council, and Healthy Environment and Active Living.
Rebecca Kiessling, Behavioral Health Team
Rebecca Kiessling, executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Northern Virginia is a dedicated advocate for those experiencing mental health challenges.
Working with the diverse population of Northern Virginia, Rebecca serves a wide-range of people including Spanish-speakers, LGBTQ community members, African Americans, working moms, and those who are new to the country. “We have 181 languages represented in our area. We need to meet people where they are, not where we are,” she says.
Rebecca provides support and makes positive change, from speaking one-on-one with someone experiencing a family crisis to bringing together faith-leaders to informing members of Congress on mental health issues.
Rebecca works to decrease stigma of mental health in our community, promote connection, belonging and meaning around mental health issues, help individuals develop stress management and coping skills, and increase community awareness of behavioral health issues.
The Farm at Halley Rise, Healthy Eating/Fairfax Food Council Team
The Farm at Halley Rise is a place to connect to nature, to community, and to healthy, sustainable, local food in Reston, VA. In 2023 alone, the Farm grew over 1000 pounds of kale, chard, eggplant, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and herbs — all of which was distributed to individuals, families, and nonprofits with limited access to fresh produce.
The Farm offers classes on a variety of topics, such as gardening 101, seedling planting, and bouquet making, providing a space for the community to gather and empowering people to start their own gardens.
In addition to making a difference at the community level, The Farm at Halley Rise stands as a model for other developments on how to incorporate agriculture and community into future buildings.
The work of the Farm aligns with two of the CHIP goals: increasing participation in programs that foster active lifestyles and community connections and improving access to fresh and healthy foods for all.
Eileen Garnett Civic Space with Project Leads of Laura Baker and Adam Wynn, Healthy Environment and Active Living
Built on the old Annandale Elementary School, the Eileen Garnett Civic Space is a safe gathering place for the Annandale community, consisting of a civic plaza with seating, an educational garden, a great lawn, and an area for community activities and special events.
The civic space is an integral part of the community. It increases access to healthy and sustainable food, reduces social isolation and responds directly to the needs and requests of community members.
This project was led by Laura Baker of the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives and Adam Wynn at the Fairfax County Park Authority who led the space’s creation. Their efforts brought this project from concept to design to completion in just three years, with the Eileen Garnett Civic Space opening in October of 2023.
The space is named after Eileen Garnett, a community champion who was fatally struck by a car during the civic space’s planning phase. Eileen was a strong advocate for the improvement of sidewalks and transportation, building design, signage, streetlights, landscaping and trash removal in Annadale.
Through the work of Laura and Adam and the multi-sector partnerships that have been formed, the civic space is delivering on Eileen’s vision of creating a safer and healthier environment for the Annandale community.
Congratulations to all Live Healthy Award winners!
The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax is a coalition of community members and organizations working together to explore new approaches for addressing the social determinants of health and other critical public health issues. Learn more about what you can do to get involved by visiting Live Healthy Fairfax.
The Fairfax County Health Department honors Nurses Month as a celebration of the tremendous impact that public health nurses have on wellness in our community. The month-long celebration of the nursing profession allows for many opportunities to appreciate the invaluable contributions of nurses. We are all indebted to nurses for their unwavering commitment to patients, their communities, and our healthcare system.
“Being named Nurse of the Year was such a shock, and such an honor,” said Nicole. “It makes me feel very proud that I've had a big impact with the schools and the students I’ve served, and honored that my team would think that of me.” In her role, Nicole oversees 26 public health nurses and 43 school health aides providing health support services in 43 Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Her tireless efforts in recruiting and managing school health aides, as well as her involvement in critical assessment and safety campaigns, are a testament to her commitment to excellence.
The fact that her career is focused on the well-being of young people is rooted in her personal experience. Nicole recalls an inspirational nurse she encountered as a young girl. “In high school, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease, and I had to get a PICC line [peripherally inserted central catheter] put in. So, there was a home visiting nurse that would come once a week, and she would change my site for my PICC line.” Nicole cites not just the physical care that nurse provided, but also the support she got with the other aspects of the illness as the sparks that made her consider a nursing career.
But the path to school nurse was far from a straight line. There was a detour that, for a while, saw Nicole on the trail to a pharmacy career. “I was interested in pharmacy because I started working as a pharmacy tech when I was 15 in high school,” said Nicole. “And then when I moved here to Virginia, I started working as a pharmacy tech here at CVS.”
Ultimately, it was the realization that she needed to finish the degree she had started that put her back on the road to nursing. First came the nursing classes that led to her degree in Health Systems Management and a desk job working for a health insurance company, a job she kept — working 20 hours a week — while putting herself through nursing school. During her studies at Marymount University, Nicole had another “ah-ha” moment. “In nursing school, I had a school health clinical, and I was with a nurse in Arlington County. I really, really enjoyed that clinical, seeing what the school health nurse did in the school. And that's what really made me choose to do school health nursing.”
In fact, it was her relationship with her first pregnant student that stands out as a time where she knew she made a difference. “I have found in my experience that pregnant students are not always treated in some offices the same as an adult who's pregnant and getting prenatal care,” said Nicole. “So, this one student would come to me with questions like, ‘What does the baby look like about this week?’ And I would use books that I got from my doctor when I had my kids to show her different pictures and answer her questions. Questions that she was too scared to ask the nurses at the clinic she was going to, she would come in and ask me. ‘I'm feeling like this. Is this normal? Is it not normal?’ Building that relationship with her and then seeing her actually coming back to school after having the baby, was when I said to myself, ‘Oh, you know, I really made a difference.’”
What makes nursing so rewarding is the tangible results, and for Nicole it was seeing these young mothers through their greatest challenge. For anyone considering a nursing career, Nicole reminds us that there’s more nursing careers available than just a doctor’s office or hospital setting. “I chose school health as a career goal,” said Nicole. “I knew I did not want to work in a hospital. That was never something that appealed to me. School health nursing is very unique from any other nursing job. Every day is different, and you'll never be bored. If you want to help the community and help school aged children, being a public health nurse within school health is definitely the job for you. It's a very rewarding job.”
Learn more about public health nursing and how they make a difference in our community.
To raise awareness about disorders related to hearing, voice, speech, or language, the Fairfax County Health Department joins the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and other organizations in observing National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May.
This observance provides an opportunity to learn about the importance of human communication and what we can all do to prevent and address communication disorders, and to encourage people to think about their own hearing and get their hearing checked. In the United States, at least 46 million people have a hearing or other communication disorder. An estimated 17.9 million adults report having a voice problem.
Throughout the month, the Health Department's Speech and Hearing program will offer free speech screenings (testing) for children ages 3 – 7 years at several county libraries. No appointments are necessary, screening is first-come, first-served at the following locations and times.
|
Location |
Screening Dates and Times |
|
Burke Centre Library 5935 Freds Oak Rd. Burke, VA 22015 |
Thursday, May 23 10:00am – 2:00pm |
|
Centreville Regional Library 14200 St. Germain Dr. Centreville, VA 20121 |
Friday, May 24 1:00 – 4:30pm |
|
Chantilly Regional Library 4000 Stringfellow Rd. Chantilly, VA 20151 |
Friday, May 3 12:30 – 4:30pm |
|
City of Fairfax Regional Library 10360 North St. Fairfax, VA 22030 |
Monday, May 20 Thursday, May 23 10:00 am – 12:00pm |
|
Herndon Fortnightly Library 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170 |
Saturday, May 11 12:15 – 4:00 pm |
|
Reston Regional Library 11925 Bowman Towne Dr, Reston, VA 20190 |
Tuesday, May 21 10:15 am – 2:00pm |
|
Richard Byrd Library 7250 Commerce St. Springfield VA 22120 |
Monday, May 20 1:00 – 4:00pm |
|
Sherwood Regional Library 2501 Sherwood Hall Ln, Alexandria VA 22306 |
Wednesday, May 29 1:00 – 4:00pm |
Early identification and intervention for speech and hearing disorders is important. Often, speech and hearing disorders go unnoticed due to fear of being singled out or a lack of knowledge. The key to better management includes being able to identify problems at an early stage, allowing for remedial therapy, particularly where such issues may affect the quality of life.
Jessica Kollaros, the Rehabilitation Services Manager at the Health Department's Speech and Hearing Clinic, advocates for greater awareness of speech and language disorders. “We urge community members to engage with their local health department to access speech, language, and hearing services. The clinic stands as a valuable asset within Fairfax County's public health program.”
The Fairfax County Health Department Speech and Hearing Services Program helps children and adults communicate more clearly with speech, hearing, and reading services. Services include screening and evaluation, group and individual speech therapy, teletherapy, a club for stroke survivors, and a reading program for children. These services are usually provided at clinics in Reston, Alexandria, and Fairfax.
To schedule an appointment at a Speech and Hearing clinic, call 703-246-7120.
The Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a volunteer program designed to strengthen our public health system, improving health and safety in our community. Since its creation in 2003, the Fairfax MRC has supported the Health Department's daily operations, participated in community outreach events, contributed to MRC exercises and training opportunities, and responded to emergencies. Volunteers come from a variety of professional backgrounds and skills, not all are health care providers.
Thank you to each of the Fairfax MRC volunteers for the time and support you gave to our community in 2023.
