Childhood Vaccinations

In the past year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has seen a substantial decline in pediatrician visits along with a drop in childhood vaccinations. These vaccines are important, especially for children who attend group childcare because of their close, frequent contact with other children. According to the CDC, “On time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity to children before being exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases (measles, mumps).”
As family child care providers, it is still a requirement to have current vaccines on ALL children enrolled in your program, including your own children. Make sure the families you serve are aware of the immunization schedules for their child. View the CDC Chart: Recommended Immunization for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old

The Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements may also be found on the VDH website 
An additional resource for parents can be found on the CDC website.  
Vaccine appointments may be scheduled with the Fairfax County Health Department by calling 703-246-2411. Additional information may be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health
In addition, remember that the COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children 12 years and older. Information on how to register can be found on https://vaccinefinder.org.

Learn more about COVID-19 and the vaccine through the Health Department’s COVID-19 webpage at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19/ . You may also text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19; text FFXCOVIDESP for updates in Spanish.