As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, the Alexandria Health Department is encouraging families to schedule their children’s required immunizations now to avoid the typical back-to-school rush.
Virginia mandates specific vaccines for students entering kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade. These immunizations protect against preventable diseases, including measles, pertussis (also known as whooping cough), and meningitis.
“Scheduling vaccine appointments early makes it easier to find an appointment that fits your schedule,” said Alexandria Health Department Director Dr. David Rose. “Vaccines protect our children from getting sick and being sidelined from school and activities later on.”
Multiple Options for Immunizations
Parents have several choices for getting their children vaccinated. The health department recommends starting with a conversation with the child’s healthcare provider about required and recommended vaccines. Immunizations are available through pediatricians, pharmacies, the Alexandria Health Department, and the city’s Teen Wellness Center clinics for Alexandria teens ages 12-19.
The health department advises parents to call ahead, regardless of where they choose to go, to inquire about appointments, costs, and the necessary documentation to bring.
Alexandria Health Department offers vaccine services on a sliding fee scale for families both with and without insurance. The department provides evening appointments every Monday and will add Wednesday evening appointments on August 13, 20, and 27 this summer. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 703.746.4888, with interpreters available for non-English speakers.
Measles Surge Highlights Vaccine Importance
The urgency behind early vaccination scheduling comes as measles cases surge nationwide. The highly contagious disease, which health officials declared eliminated in 2000, has seen more than 1,200 cases reported across the United States so far this year, including three cases in Virginia.
“Many of us have seen the frightening news about measles outbreaks,” Dr. Rose said. “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.”
In Virginia, unvaccinated children exposed to measles may face school exclusions lasting more than two weeks, providing another incentive for families to ensure their children’s immunizations are up to date before the school year begins.
Parents with questions about vaccines can contact their healthcare provider or call the Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4988. For more information about appointment scheduling and clinic hours, please visit the department’s website.
