Beat the Back-To-School Rush: Book Your Child's Immunizations Today

Summer is flying by, and Alexandria families are already preparing for the school year. For a smoother start to the year, Alexandria Health Department is encouraging families to book appointments for required vaccines before the back-to-school rush.

Virginia schools require immunizationsfor entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade. These vaccines protect kids from preventable diseases such as measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and meningitis.

"Scheduling vaccine appointments early makes it easier to find an appointment that fits your schedule," said AHD Director Dr. David Rose, "and vaccines protect our children from getting sick and being sidelined from school and activities later on."

Where to Get Shots

Alexandria Health Department encourages parents to talk with their child's health care provider about required and recommended vaccines. Vaccines are available through your child's pediatrician, pharmacies, Alexandria Health Department, and Alexandria's Teen Wellness Center clinics (for Alexandria teens ages 12-19). Wherever you choose to go, call ahead to ask about appointments, costs, and what to bring.

Visit Alexandria Health Department's clinic websiteto see AHD appointment information and hours. Alexandria Health Department vaccine services are available at a sliding fee scale for people with and without insurance. AHD has evening appointments each Monday and will offer additional evening appointments on August 13, 20, and 27 (Wednesdays) this summer. Call 703.746.4888 to make an appointment. Interpreters are available.

Why Vaccines Are Important

Vaccines are safe and effective, and they are your child's best defense against infectious disease. Measlesis a recent example. The highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the year 2000 is experiencing a surge in the U.S. with more than 1,200cases reportedso far this year, including three cases in Virginia. In Virginia, unvaccinated children who are exposed to measles may have to be kept out of school for over 2 weeks.

"Many of us have seen the frightening news about measles outbreaks," said Dr. Rose. "AHD is monitoring the situation closely, but the best thing people can do is to get their children the recommended 2-dose MMR vaccine series. It's always great to see families going out and getting these vaccines to protect their kids and our city."

If you have any questions about vaccines, please talk to your health care provider or call Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4988.

For free interpretation or translation services, email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.govor call 703.746.3960.

For media requests only, contact Eve Elliott, Communications Officer, at eve.elliott@vdh.virginia.govor call 804.467.5160.