As summer vacation begins, our Health Department is urging parents to get their children up to date on required school immunizations. In a recent episode of the County Conversation podcast, Brian Hochstrasser, the Health Department’s School Health Division assistant director, spoke about the importance of vaccinations and health department's services.
Hochstrasser emphasized that the summer is an ideal time to schedule immunization appointments before the new school year starts in the fall.
"The summertime is great because, before the next school year begins, we want to make sure all students are up to date on those required vaccinations."
Schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, 7th grade, 12th grade and when transferring into Fairfax County public schools. Failure to do so may impact a student’s ability to return to school in the fall.
REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS BY GRADE LEVEL
Hochstrasser outlined the vaccines required for different grade levels:
- Kindergarten: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and polio.
- 7th Grade: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, and a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster.
- 12th Grade: A second dose of the meningococcal vaccine.
He also emphasized the safety of these vaccines.
"Vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccines go through an extensive testing process to ensure safety and efficacy before being provided to the public."
FREE IMMUNIZATION CLINICS
The Health Department offers free immunization clinics for county students, those behind on their immunization schedule and newcomers to the country.
"The Fairfax County Health Department offers immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well as those who are behind on their immunization schedule and those who are also new to the country," noted Hochstrasser.
Parents must schedule an appointment at any of the Health Department’s five clinics by calling 703-246-7100. These clinics are located across the county:
- Annandale District Office, 7611 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
- Herndon/Reston District Office, 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100, Reston
- Joseph Willard Health Center, 3750 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax
- Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233, Alexandria
- Springfield District Office, 8136 Old Keene Mill Road, The Cary Building - Suite A100, Springfield
For more information on childhood and required school immunizations, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/immunization/child.
THE COUNTY CONVERSATION PODCAST
The “County Conversation” is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from the Fairfax County Government discussing programs, services and items of interest to residents of Fairfax County. Listen to past episodes of "County Conversation.”
To find other county podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.
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