Student Immunization Clinics Offered Before Fairfax County Return To School

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Before students return to school in late August, families can check to ensure their students are up to date on immunizations required at Fairfax County Public Schools. The Fairfax County Health Department is offering appointments at upcoming immunization clinics.

Virginia law requires parents or guardians to provide records of certain immunizations for attendance at public schools. In 2021, the Virginia Department of Health updated immunization requirements, affecting 7th and 12th grade students. The new requirements from 2021 included the Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine with the first dose given before 7th grade and the final dose before 12th grade. In addition, a complete two-dose series of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine is required to enter 7th grade. At least the first dose must be given before a student begins seventh grade.

Here are the required vaccinations for kindergarten through 12th grade at FCPS:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap): A minimum of four properly spaced doses is required with at least one dose around fourth birthday and a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine required for students entering 7th grade.
• Hepatitis A (HAV) Vaccine: Minimum of two doses
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: A series of three properly spaced doses of the hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children. However, for children ages 11 to 15, a two-dose series is approved only when the Merck Brand (RECOMBIVAX HB) Adult Formulation Hepatitis B Vaccine is given and documented on school forms.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: A complete two-dose series is required for students entering the 7th grade. The first dose should be given before the student enters 7th grade. Parents or guardians may elect for their child not to receive the HPV vaccine after reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health.
• Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: A minimum of two measles, two mumps, and one rubella doses are required. Most children receive two doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR). The first dose must be given at age 12 months or older, and the second dose of vaccine must be given before kindergarten.
• Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine: A minimum of two doses of MenACWY vaccine are required. The first dose should be given before 7th grade, and the final dose should be given before 12th grade.
• Polio (IPV) Vaccine: A minimum of four doses of polio vaccine are required. One dose must be given on or after the fourth birthday.
• Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: All children born on and after January 1, 1997 are required to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine given at age 12 months or older. A second dose must be given before kindergarten.

Families can view supplemental Guidance for School-required Vaccines for more information.

To ensure students are up to date on required vaccinations, families can contact their pediatrician, family physician or the Fairfax County Health Department. The Fairfax County Health Department offers appointments at its clinics during regular morning hours at Joseph Willard Health Center in Fairfax, Annandale District Office in Annandale, Springfield District Office in Springfield, Mount Vernon District Office in Mount Vernon and Herndon-Reston District Office in Reston. Appointments can be requested by calling 703-246-7100.

In addition, summer clinics will be held at the following locations and times:

• Annandale District Office: Aug. 5 and 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Herndon/Reston District Office: Aug. 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Joseph Willard Health Center: Aug. 12 and 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Hyland South County Government Center (Mt. Vernon District Office): Aug. 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Springfield District Office: July 29 and Aug. 19, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Several upcoming school-based clinics will offer the Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine; Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine; and Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine. To request an appointment, call 571-567-5771.

Here are the locations:

• Wednesday, Aug. 3: Poe Middle School
• Friday, Aug. 5: Stone Middle School
• Tuesday, Aug. 9: Jackson Middle School
• Thursday, Aug. 11: Whitman Middle School
• Wednesday, Aug. 17: South County Middle School
• Friday, Aug. 19: Herndon Middle School