Clinics Coming Up For Childhood Vaccinations In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Public Schools may be starting the school year with virtual-only education, but childhood vaccinations remain required for enrollment. The Fairfax County Health Department is offering childhood vaccination clinics and expanded hours for the Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine clinics at three locations.

Parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations as part of the kindergarten registration and grades 1-12 general registration. The childhood vaccines protect children against illnesses like polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox. Seventh graders and transfer students also need a booster dose of Tdap vaccine before entering the 7th grade. Preteens and teens need vaccines like HPV, which protects against certain types of cancer later in life.

"We know families are hesitant to venture out for routine health services, like vaccines, during the pandemic," said Shauna Severo, the health department’s director of health services, in a statement. "However, as restrictions continue to ease, children not up to date on their immunizations will be at greater risk for vaccine-preventable illnesses."

The clinics will include safety protocols in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Limited appointments will be available at each clinic, and families will be asked to limit the people coming to the appointment. Anyone aged 2 and up will be required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth. Temperature checks will be conducted at entrances, and there will be spacing between visitors and vaccination stations.

Below are the upcoming clinics for childhood vaccinations and Tdap. To schedule an appointment, call the health department at 703-246-6010, TTY 711. Families are encouraged to send a picture of their child’s vaccination record before the appointment to limit face-to-face contact.

Upcoming childhood vaccination clinics include:

• July 30, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Lincolnia Senior Center, 4710 N. Chambliss Street, entrance D4, Alexandria
• Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield
• Aug. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church, 3305 Glen Carlyn Road, Bailey’s Crossroads
• Aug. 17, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., London Towne Elementary, 6100 Stone Road. Centreville
• Aug. 20, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Annandale District Office, 7611 Little River Turnpike, #400E, Annandale
• Aug. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Highway, #233, Alexandria
• Sept. 3, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., First Baptist Church of Springfield, 7300 Gary Street, Springfield
• Sept. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., location to be announced

Upcoming vaccination clinics for Tdap immunizations include:

• July 21, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Joseph Willard Health Center, 3750 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax
• July 31, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Hwy, #233, Alexandria; Joseph Willard Health Center, 3750 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax; Herndon-Reston District Office, 1850 Cameron Glen Dr., #100, Reston
• Aug. 4, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Hwy, #233, Alexandria
• Aug. 11, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Herndon-Reston District Office, 1850 Cameron Glen Dr., #100, Reston
• Aug. 14, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Herndon-Reston District Office, 1850 Cameron Glen Dr., #100, Reston; Joseph Willard Health Center, 3750 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax; Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Hwy, #233, Alexandria
• Aug. 21, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Herndon-Reston District Office, 1850 Cameron Glen Dr., #100, Reston; Joseph Willard Health Center, 3750 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax; Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Hwy, #233, Alexandria
• Aug. 28, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Herndon-Reston District Office, 1850 Cameron Glen Dr., #100, Reston; Joseph Willard Health Center, 3750 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax; Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Hwy, #233, Alexandria