Health Clinic Extending Hours for School Vaccinations

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The arrival of a new school year means it’s time for parents to ensure their kids are up to date on all their required immunizations and vaccinations.

Vaccinations are required for kids preparing to enter either kindergarten or Grade 6. Families with kids attending Fairfax County Public Schools for the first time are also encouraged to check that their kids’ immunizations are up to code, no matter what grade they’re entering this fall.

For a full list of required vaccinations, according to the Virginia Department of Health, click here.

To help families prepare their children for a new school year, Fairfax County Health Services is extending hours on four days at each of its five clinics throughout the county. Each clinic will offer all vaccinations and immunizations required by the Commonwealth completely free of charge.

Residents in the Fairfax area can go to the Joseph Willard Health Center, at 3750 Old Lee Highway in Fairfax City. Here’s a rundown of the clinic’s extended hours:

• Friday, Aug. 28: 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 31: 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 1: 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 8 (first day of school): 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Because these clinics are likely to attract crowds in anticipation of a new school year, Fairfax County advises calling and making an appointment for your children in advance. The number for the Joseph Willard clinic is 703-246-7100 (TTY: 711).

Parents are also required to bring their child’s vaccination records to the clinic with them in order for their children to receive shots. A child’sofficial immunization record can normally be found either through the doctor who administered the child’s most recent vaccinations, the state health department or the most recent school the child attended, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.