Do you know that you can have a positive impact on the well-being of others in Fairfax County? As we ring in 2024, why not consider making a positive impact on the health and well-being of others in your community?
1. Get involved.
Fairfax County offers a variety of opportunities:
2. Get vaccinated and encourage others to do the same.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious illness from vaccine preventable diseases. By getting vaccinated you are protecting yourself, as well as the people around you.
3. Learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your community from disease-carrying insects.
The Fairfax County Disease Carrying Insects Program provides a variety of educational materials for the community. Find information and resources on how to keep your yard and home tick and mosquito-free. Even during the winter months, blacklegged ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease, are active when the temperature is greater than 40 °F.
4. Volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).
MRC volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the public health system in Fairfax County (as well as the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church), assisting in emergency response, operating vaccine clinics, educating the community on emergency preparedness, and more. MRC volunteers do not need to have a medical background.
Join the Fairfax Medical Reserve Corps.
5. Get trained to save lives.
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers free, virtual trainings that can help you save a life.
Wishing all a healthy new year!
Different flu viruses circulate each year and the protection you get from vaccination decreases over time. Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu.
We are continuing to see an increase in flu-like illnesses in our area and are currently at a high level of respiratory activity in Northern Virginia. The Fairfax Health District is experiencing high levels of influenza-like illness with more visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for fever (100.4°F or greater) and cough and/or sore throat. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assessments and data since the beginning of the 2023-24 season, influenza activity will likely continue to increase into December and follow similar levels of severity as pre-COVID flu seasons.
Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from serious illness caused by flu. If you do get the flu, it can help make your symptoms less severe and reduce the risk that you are hospitalized or even die. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections.
People 6 months and older should get vaccinated against flu. For those who are at greater risk for severe flu complications, it especially important to make time to get a flu vaccine, if you haven’t already. Some examples of people at higher risk of flu complications include:
Find more information so you can take steps to prevent flu:
Advisory Issued to Residents in the Great Falls Area: Be Alert for Potentially Rabid Coyote
Residents in the Great Falls area (in and around neighborhoods including Utterback Store Road and Streamview Court) should be aware that a coyote engaged in several unprovoked attacks on domestic dogs, and one on a resident, during daylight hours of Thursday, June 18. Despite an extensive search, the animal was not found, and rabies cannot be ruled out as a reason for the attacks.
Per the Department of Wildlife Resources, if you see a coyote, stay calm, keep your distance, and do not run. Back away promptly but calmly, giving it space. If the coyote approaches you or is near your home, remember to do the following:
Anyone who may have touched or been bitten or scratched by any wild animal should call the Fairfax County Health Department Rabies Program at 703-246-2433, TTY 711.
If you suspect your pet may have come into contact with any wild animals, please contact the Fairfax County Department of Animal Services at 703-691-2131, TTY 711.
Residents can help protect themselves and their pets from rabies. Stay away from wild animals. Do not allow pets to roam unattended and keep pets leashed. Be sure pets are vaccinated against rabies annually.
For additional information on rabies, please visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/rabies.
For additional information on coyotes, please visit Fairfax County's Coyote and Pet Safety guide or Virginia DWR's Problems with Coyotes webpage.
Active Managerial Control is a tool used by food service managers to actively lead food workers in safe food handling practices that reduce the occurrence of foodborne illness risk factors. This tool includes aspects of food safety such as employee training, documented standard operating procedures, logs, record keeping, verification, and corrective actions in the effort to reduce foodborne illness in a food establishment.
It may be getting warmer outside, but a topic that remains cool is Active Managerial Control! We would like to congratulate the food service operators who have been recognized with the Active Managerial Control award for making public health a priority in their food establishments! During their recent inspections, they were knowledgeable about the food safety policies and procedures implemented in the facility while appropriately demonstrating corrective actions that aid in preventing possible foodborne illness. It was observed that good active managerial control efforts were in place at their food establishments and these efforts should be acknowledged! STAMP or Safety Through Actively Managing Practices, is a voluntary program that acknowledges facilities that go the extra mile to demonstrate AMC through daily attention to food safety practices. Let's meet our awardees!
JOB WELL DONE! Active Managerial Control Awardees Recognized:
Vivian Lopez, Big Buns Reston, 1908 Reston Metro Plaza, Reston VA 20190
AMC Practices- Vivian believes it is important to demonstrate AMC in a food establishment because it helps to prevent foodborne illness and ensures that food is prepared safely for our customers.
The food safety practices that she has implemented that have been effective in controlling foodborne illness risk factors are proper temperature monitoring for cooking, cooling and holding foods. She has also trained staff to prevent cross contamination.
The advice that she would give to other food service operators or managers who are considering implementing Active Managerial Control for food safety practices in their establishment is to train staff properly and remind them to follow food safety.
Vivian understands that AMC is essential to ensure food safety.
James Couch, Leah Nhim & Ed D’Alessandro, Aramark @ Capital One, McLean VA 22102
AMC Practices- James, Leah and Ed believe that it is important to demonstrate AMC in a food service establishment to help prevent foodborne illnesses, ensure compliance with regulations and to protect the company’s reputation.
The food safety practices that they have implemented in controlling foodborne illness risk factors are personal hygiene, cross contamination, time and temperature abuse, and cleaning and sanitizing.
The advice that they would give to other food service operators or managers who are considering implementing Active Managerial Control for food safety practices in their establishment is to help your team understand that food safety is about protecting guests and each other, not just passing an inspection. When employees understand the real impact- preventing illness, protecting the brand and ensuring trust, they are much more likely to take ownership.
James, Leah and Ed believe that AMC only works if managers lead by example. When managers correct unsafe practices, it sets the tone for the team.
Carlos Francisco Ordonez & Oscar G. Herrera, Aramark @ Capital One 11th Flr Café C3, 1675 Capital One Dr, McLean VA 22102
AMC Practices- Carlos and Oscar believe that it is important to demonstrate AMC in a food service establishment because being in the food service industry is a big responsibility. The health of their guests, employees and themselves is extremely important. Lives can be changed due to a small mistake.
The food safety practices that they have implemented in controlling foodborne illness risk factors are safety moments daily, encouraging employees to participate and follow Aramark policies and practices, supervising SOPs for temperature control and sanitization to have better control.
The advice that they would give to other food service operators or managers who are considering implementing Active Managerial Control for food safety practices in their establishment is accountability and ownership of your operation. Food safety is the pillar of a successful operation. Create SOPs, manage, supervise and observe bad habits and take actions to correct.
They believe in high standards and that AMC aligns with the Aramark vison. They like to promote a healthy and safe place for their guests.
Juan Garcia, Sabrina Guzman Prado & Elmira Kozieja, Aramark @ Capital One 2nd Flr Café C2, 1680 Capital One Dr, McLean VA 22102
AMC Practices- Juan, Sabrina and Elmira believe that it is important to demonstrate Active Managerial Control in a food service establishment because it shifts a food service establishment from a reactive to a proactive food safety culture.
The food safety practices that they have implemented in controlling foodborne illness risk factors are pre-meal team meetings, communication, wellness checks, daily safety focus, and the Marko App.
The advice that they would give to other food service operators or managers who are considering implementing Active Managerial Control for food safety practices in their establishment is effective communication, have a coaching team, lead by example and recognize your team.
The fifth annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day takes place this year on April 29, 2026. Fentanyl Awareness Day is observed to help inform communities like ours about the dangers of illegally made fentanyl. Across all ages, almost all (89%) of fatal opioid overdoses have involved fentanyl since 2024 in the Fairfax Health District.
Illegal fentanyl is dangerous, but there are steps you can take to prevent overdoses. See the infographic below to get the facts on fentanyl and learn how to help prevent fentanyl overdoses in our community.
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD), in collaboration with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), hosted a Community Health Project Competition for 10 students enrolled in Fairfax County’s Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) Evening and Weekend program on Saturday, December 13 at the Fairfax County Government Center.
Students from high schools across Fairfax County presented public health projects that were judged by local health leaders and subject-matter experts from the Community Services Board, including LaVurne Williams, Lawrence Smith, Brian D. Anderson, and Donna Chittum.
Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Director of the FCHD, and Darryl Washington, Director of the CSB were present to address the students and emphasized the importance of their roles as they consider careers in public and mental health. “It’s a tough profession, “said Director Washington, “But, we change lives and we save lives.”
In reflecting curriculum topics related to the Evening and Weekend program, student projects addressed an array of real-world issues: opioid misuse, drug prevention and safe storage programs, art therapy for young children, mental health awareness programs designed for immigrant children, and “fueling minds” with good nutrition, as well as other behavioral health challenges and actionable opportunities to address them, that face our diverse communities.
Following the impressive and detailed student presentations, four were recognized to receive top prize by the judges; a complimentary week at summer camp in July of 2026 where students will participate in the 2026 Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP) conference, sponsored by the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority. The winning students and their project topics were:
Applications for the Youth Ambassadors Spring 2026 cohort are open now; learn more about the PHYAP evening and weekend program.
From the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is implementing the newest updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization schedule. Updates were made to the COVID-19 and the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine recommendations.
COVID-19 Vaccine: The CDC schedule advises the use of “individual-based decision making” (or shared clinical decision making) when deciding to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages 6 months and older. This type of decision-making is informed by a decision process between a patient or parent/guardian and a health care provider, including pharmacists. Now that the CDC has published its immunization schedule and included the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, people ages 6 months and up may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at their healthcare provider; and people ages 3 years and older may receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy in Virginia without a prescription.
The COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at many pharmacies throughout the Commonwealth; some physicians’ offices also stock the updated 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine. You may also check with your local health department office; you can find its location by using this locator map. Please call ahead to ask if your selected provider setting meets your needs, as different settings may only serve certain age groups or have certain hours for appointments.
MMRV Vaccine: CDC no longer recommends the use of the combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine (MMRV) for children under the age of 4, regardless of parental preference. This is already consistent with common practice in Virginia. Most MMRV vaccines are administered to children 4 years of age and older. Children under the age of 4 should receive MMR and varicella vaccines separately. The first dose of each of these vaccines is recommended to be given at 12 to 15 months of age.
The CDC recommendation for the second dose of the MMR and varicella vaccines has not changed. The second dose for each of these vaccines is recommended at 4 to 6 years of age. Children ages 4 years and older can receive either the combined MMRV vaccine or MMR and varicella vaccines separately.
Standing Order: With the CDC updated schedule now in place, the Virginia State Health Commissioner’s Standing Order issued on September 10, 2025, is no longer necessary and will be revoked, effective October 10, 2025.
The State Health Commissioner issued the standing order to bridge the gap for COVID-19 vaccine access until the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations were adopted by the CDC on October 7. The standing order ensured that Virginians could access the COVID-19 vaccine uninterrupted, if they so desired.
Additional Tools: VDH has several online tools to look up complete immunization records, including the new, customer-friendly MyIR Portal.
From NewsCenter article published on 9/30/2025
Now that fall has arrived, flu season is here and the number of people getting sick with a respiratory illness is expected to increase. Although germs will be prevalent for the next few months, there are still numerous ways to stay healthy and protect yourself from flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Visit for most up-to-date data on respiratory illnesses in the Fairfax Health District. We use data from emergency departments and urgent care centers to track how many people are visiting these providers. These data help us see how respiratory illnesses affect our community over time.
Here are five simple strategies you can use to protect yourself and those around you from flu. Most of these suggestions also apply to avoiding other respiratory illnesses as well.
1. Get your annual flu shot
To find where you can receive a flu vaccine, visit VDH's Vaccine Provider Locator.
2. Wash your hands often
Washing your hands regularly is one of the best and simplest ways to prevent yourself from getting sick. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If no soap or water is available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Cover your coughs and sneezes
Coughing and sneezing can spread germs to others. Always cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, not with your hands. Make sure to throw out tissues and wash your hands immediately after.
4. Clean surfaces regularly and avoid touching your face
When you touch your eyes, nose and mouth, germs on your hands can enter your body and make you sick. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as countertops, handrails and doorknobs regularly.
5. Stay home when sick
Staying home when sick is important in preventing illness from spreading to others. Stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both you and your symptoms are better.
COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting sick, being hospitalized or dying from the virus.
On Sept. 10, Virginia State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD, signed a new statewide standing order for pharmacies in Virginia to facilitate accessibility for pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. The standing order allows pharmacists to administer the vaccine to Virginians 65 years of age and older and those between the ages of 18 and 64 with at least one underlying medical condition without a prescription. On Sept. 19, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made recommendations regarding the use of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccination. Once those recommendations are finalized, and more information is available, it will be posted on COVID-19 webpage.
The Health Department clinics anticipate a limited vaccine supply and will only provide COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who are uninsured or covered by Medicaid.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms and is very contagious.
The CDC has updated its recommendation for the use of RSV vaccines in people ages 50 and older. It now recommends everyone ages 75 and older and people ages 50-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV get the vaccine.
Read the full article at the NewsCenter.
August is National Breastfeeding Month, and with World Breastfeeding Week observed August 1 through August 7, now is the perfect time to explore the powerful benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers. Far from being merely a lifestyle choice, breastfeeding is a powerful investment in lifelong health.
"Breastfeeding offers a foundational start to life that no other feeding method can replicate," says Gloria Lobato, Public Health Nutritionist and Breastfeeding Coordinator for the Fairfax County Health Department. "It's a testament to the incredible design of the human body and provides a crucial layer of protection for our most vulnerable population – our infants. We want every mother to feel supported and empowered in her breastfeeding journey."
The science is clear: breast milk is nature's perfect food for infants. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlights that breastfed babies have a significantly lower risk of a multitude of health issues, including ear infections, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, asthma, obesity, and type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This protective effect stems from the unique composition of breast milk, which changes to meet a baby's evolving nutritional needs and delivers vital antibodies from the mother, bolstering the infant's developing immune system.
But the advantages don't stop with the baby. Mothers who breastfeed also reap substantial health rewards. According to the CDC, breastfeeding can lower a mother's risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and even osteoporosis. The act of breastfeeding also triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size, reducing postpartum bleeding and promoting bonding. Additionally, breastfeeding can aid in postpartum weight loss, as lactation burns extra calories.
Despite these compelling benefits, national breastfeeding rates, while improving, still show room for growth. The CDC's 2022 Breastfeeding Report Card reveals that among infants born in 2019, 83.2% started out receiving some breast milk. However, by six months, only 55.8% were still receiving any breast milk, and just 24.9% were exclusively breastfed. This decline indicates the need for stronger support systems to help mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.
Supporting mothers in their decision to breastfeed is paramount. "Not only do we recognize the immense value of breastfeeding," Lobato adds, "we are dedicated to providing resources, education, and accessible support services. Our goal is to help mothers overcome challenges and continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose.”
This August, understanding breastfeeding's profound impact on health is key. When communities foster environments that support breastfeeding mothers, more women can give their babies the best possible start in life, while also safeguarding their own long-term well-being. It's an investment that pays dividends for generations to come, building a healthier future one family at a time. If you are a prospective mother and want to learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding or need support, valuable resources and ways to connect with local experts are available on the Health Department website.
Are you a family caregiver for an older adult, or an adult or child with a disability, with a serious health condition? Fairfax County offers resources to help family members or friends who provide care and assistance to a loved one due to an illness, injury or disability.
If you have questions or are not sure where to start, call the Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948, TTY 711, or submit a request form.
Food and Nutrition: Access to healthy foods and good nutrition plays a part in your loved one’s health. Their medical condition may require certain nutritional changes or needs. Fairfax County Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) can provide information on how to apply for food assistance. Eligible adults over the age of 60 or adults with a disability who are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals can contact the Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948, TTY 711, to inquire about the Home Delivered Meals Program.
Transportation: Explore transportation options available in the community for older adults and adults with disabilities to get to and from medical appointments: Transportation for Older Adults. If your loved one qualifies for Medicaid, transportation services to medical appointments are available with most Medicaid plans. Learn more about how Medicaid can help you.
Respite Care: Respite Care provides temporary relief to a primary caregiver from the continuous support and care of a loved one who has a disability or medical condition. The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program provides reimbursement vouchers to Virginia caregivers for the cost of temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals of any age with a documented disability or medical condition: Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program.
Inova ElderLink also has respite care options designed to give full-time, family caregivers of older adults a temporary break from caregiving duties. This program offers up to six hours per week of in-home personal care services, companionship and supervision for eligible clients. The service includes a full assessment and ongoing case management. Co-pay rates are dependent on the client’s functional status (physical/cognitive need) and income level. For more information or to request a service, call the ElderLink Intake Line at 703-324-5374, TTY 711. Learn more about respite care options for older adults and adults with disabilities.
Vaccines: Vaccines reduce the risk of infection by working with the body's natural defenses to help it safely develop immunity to diseases and are proven to be safe and effective. More information on vaccines for each age group can be found here: Immunization and Vaccinations.
Health Care: Your community has many resources to help you access health care, even if you don’t have insurance or cannot afford care. Find resources in the healthcare categories listed on this page: Find Health Care. The county also provides information on free or low-cost medical care for adults and families: Free or Low-Cost Medical Care for Adults and Families. For older adults, learn more about Medicare options from the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program.
Mental Health: The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) provides services to people who have mental illness, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities. To learn more about and apply for CSB services, visit Mental health | Community Services Board. The CSB also offers virtual trainings to promote wellness. See a list of the offerings online.
Health Emergencies: In a life-threatening emergency, dial 911. Dial 988 for the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and behavioral health support (more information can be found online). CSB also offers 24/7 walk-in emergency mental health and substance use disorders services at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health (8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax). To reach emergency services, call the 24-hour phone number at 703-573-5679.
When taking care of someone at home, it's important to dispose of medical waste safely.
Needles and Syringes (Sharps): Put sharps in a rigid container, label it with a warning, clip the needle or recap it, seal with a cap and tape, and throw it in your household trash. Learn more about how to dispose of medical waste from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services: Sharps and Medical Waste.
Materials Containing Human Waste (diapers, colostomy bags, catheter bags, etc.): Any human waste should be emptied into the toilet and flushed. Put the empty bag, diaper, etc. in a sturdy, leak-proof bag before throwing it in the trash.
Unused or Expired Medicine: Dispose of them properly to prevent misuse and accidental poisoning and to protect the environment. Learn more about the Safe Disposal of Medicines.
Read more about the resources for caregiving to a loved one in this NewsLink article.
