Summer 2025

FCPS Wellness Newsletter

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Additional immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade. 

• All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
• To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
• As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
• All students entering 12th grade are required to receive one dose of Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine prior to the beginning of school. 
• To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older.  Note: a dose given prior to the age of 16 will not fulfill this requirement.

Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Be Ready for Back to School with August Immunization Clinics

Now is the time to make sure your child’s school required immunizations are up-to-date. 

Before scheduling an appointment to get your child vaccinated, check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. Don’t know how to do that? Here are some ways to check:

1. Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS).
2. If your child was immunized outside Virginia, get records from those states’ systems.
3. Request records from your healthcare provider. Some may charge for copies.

Once you’ve checked your child’s immunization record, make an immunization appointment to receive missing vaccinations via one of the resources below. 

1. If you do not have a healthcare provider, visit a Health Department clinic. Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinics offer immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations, or need a booster.

• FCHD will be holding immunization clinics during the month of August. The clinics are open to all Fairfax County students who need immunizations regardless of their past vaccines, who are new to the country, or those that just need a follow up to be up-to-date.
• Appointments are limited. Call the FCHD at 703-246-7100 to schedule yours!

Another option is to find a community clinic. Inova Cares Clinic for Families provides childhood immunizations for patients who qualify for Medicaid, FAMIS, Inova’s Financial Assistance Program, or are uninsured (See more information below). HealthWorks for Northern Virginia and Neighborhood Health also provide healthcare, including vaccinations, for children, families, and individuals, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Inova Cares Back-to-School Pediatric Health Fairs

Inova is holding pediatric health fairs to provide children ages 5 and up with FREE school physicals and immunizations to begin the 2025-26 school year. The health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. 

Weekday clinics (time slots vary)

• Inova Cares Herndon: June 12, July 9, August 5
• Inova Cares Manassas: June 24, July 25, August 12
• Inova Cares Sterling: June 17, July 21, August 7
• Alexandria: June 18, July 30, August 8

Weekend clinics (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)

• Inova Cares Manassas: June 28 
• Inova Cares Falls Church: July 26
• Inova Cares Herndon: August 9

Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550. Must bring vaccine records.You can find more information on the Immunization Resources webpage.

Summer Health & Safety Tips

Summer break means a little more time for fresh air, exercise and trying new things!

Enjoy this summer safely and by remembering just a few tips, everyone will be happier and healthier.

Walking, bicycling and exploring the neighborhoods and parks of Fairfax County can be on everyone’s to-do list this summer but remember that there are cars and other vehicles on the roads as well. 

Unfortunately, between January 2015 and June 2023 there were an average of 172 crashes involving pedestrians every year in Fairfax County. Whether you are walking, biking, or driving, safety is everyone’s job.

Take a moment to:

• Slow down and take extra care in school zones and in neighborhoods.
• Make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians at stoplights and intersections before proceeding.
• Remember to slow down when you turn into a neighborhood.
• Look out for children playing and riding bikes.
• Stop at crosswalks when pedestrians are crossing roads.
• Take extra time to walk or bicycle at the crosswalk.

Summers in Virginia and Fairfax County can be HOT. So, remember to take precautions, especially on extremely hot days. These tips will help you stay cool and safe:

1. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
2. Stay inside and out of the heat, if possible. Save the yard work for another day or time.
3. Visit indoor locations during operating hours to stay cool.
4. Know the symptoms of heat-related illness. Heat stroke is an emergency, so call or text 9-1-1.
5. Never leave children, older adults, or pets alone in a car.
6. Fans create air flow but give a false sense of comfort since they do not lower body temperature. Stay hydrated and take other steps to get cool.

You can also help protect others, who may suffer more seriously, from extreme heat:

• Older adults are more prone to heat-related health problems. If you are an older adult or a caregiver to an older adult, ensure that you stay informed for health and safety updates and seek medical care when needed.
• Infants and children should be dressed in loose, lightweight clothing and should never be left in a parked car even if the windows are open.
• Individuals who are on prescription medications may have difficulty communicating what they are experiencing, or their medications may make the effect of extreme heat more pronounced.
• People with chronic medical conditions may struggle to cope or recover quickly from extreme heat.
• People who work outdoors are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illnesses. Encourage outdoor co-workers to drink plenty of water, ask if tasks can be scheduled earlier or later to avoid extreme heat and take frequent breaks to cool down and hydrate. Workers and supervisors should be able to recognize symptoms of heat stress.

School-based outdoor activities during extreme heat conditions for athletic teams and events are monitored closely. County departments that host summer camps also monitor conditions.

Fun in the Sun Safety Tips

Warm, summer days are coming as well as the risk of overexposure to the sun. By following the tips below, you can protect yourself from harmful rays and enjoy the fun of longer days:

•  Wear Protective Clothing, including: 
• A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and pants
• Apply Sunscreen.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
• Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, more often if sweating or going in the pool/ocean
•  Seek Shade
• The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use Caution Near Water and Sand
• These surfaces reflect the sun’s rays, increasing the risk of sunburn

Summer Mental Wellness Consultations Offered for Free

This summer, the FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer free virtual Mental Wellness Consultations from June 23 through August.

Any FCPS parent or secondary student will have an opportunity to schedule a 45-minute consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker by phone or videoconference.

Consultations will be offered in two ways:

1. Directly to parents of students in any grade level. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Information about community resources will also be provided.
2. Directly to students in middle or high school. This consultation provides an opportunity for middle and high school students to receive guidance and support for concerns related to anxiety, mood, behavior, peer or family interactions, or school transitions and changes. Strategies and tools can also be provided to address academic challenges such as organization and time-management.

We encourage all families to take advantage of this service

To request a consultation, families can complete a request form in the language of their choice below or leave a message at 703-503-2520. Families will be contacted at the start of the session requested in order to schedule a date and time for the consultation appointment. Enjoy your summer.

FCPS Mental Wellness Consultation Request Form

Translations: አማርኛ   العربية   中文   한국어   español   اردو  Tiếng Việt

Mental Health Awareness Month

May has drawn to a close, but we can still reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on mental well-being for everyone. Throughout the year, you can prioritize caring for your own mental health by actively engaging in practices that support your overall well-being. 

Some helpful tips include: prioritizing sleep; engaging in regular physical activity; nourishing your body with a healthy diet; nurturing relationships with friends, family, and community; limiting technology use; practicing gratitude; and seeking support when needed. 

Self-care is powerful, but it isn’t always enough. If you’re struggling with your mental health, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, doctor, or therapist. Seeking professional help is a sign of strength and can provide you with effective coping strategies and treatment.

Check out these mental health resources for additional support.

Hazel Health Teletherapy

FCPS Mental Health Resources

School Health Specialists Promote Health and Safety for Students

Wednesday, May 7, was School Nurse Day. Pictured are Anna Wendland, Anne Winters, and Kristin Shiraishi, school health specialists.

National School Nurse Day was Wednesday, May 7. In Fairfax County Public Schools, a staff of five school health specialists who are all registered nurses — Cheryl Montgomery, Carissa Morris, Kristin Shiraishi, Anna Wendland, and Anne Winters — support schools, staff, students, and families.

While public health nurses oversee the day-to-day care provided in the school health rooms, the FCPS school health specialists provide programmatic support to keep our students safe and healthy. Although their role is largely behind the scenes, some of their responsibilities include:

• Communicating important information pertaining to divisionwide school health services requirements, policies, and protocols for school staff.
• Supporting parents/guardians and school staff in collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) regarding first aid, immunizations, medications, communicable diseases, and student wellness and management of health conditions within the school setting.
• Providing major support for immunization clinics.
• Collaborating with other departments within FCPS to develop plans and responses to address student health needs, emergencies, or concerns.

Read more about the impact of school nurses and school health specialists.

June Wellness Webinar: All About The Wellness Benefits

Come learn about all of your free wellness benefits as an FCPS employee.

Participating Vendors: Cigna, ComPsych, Kaiser Permanente, and Wellbeats.

When: Monday, June 16

Time: 1 to 2 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Webinar Registration Link 

Raffle prizes will be offered.

Omada®, is a new health program available to Cigna members!

The Omada® program is designed to help prevent diabetes, support weight loss, and improve overall health. If you’re eligible, you can access this $700 program at no cost.

This program includes:

• Personal Health Coach: Get one-on-one support to help you make lasting changes in how you eat, move, sleep, and manage stress.
• Personalized Plan: Focus on the areas that matter most to your health goals.
• Smart Scale and Welcome Kit: Track your progress and see the impact of habit changes on your health.
• Ongoing Emotional Support: Tools and resources for maintaining a healthy mindset.

If you or your covered adult dependents are enrolled in the company medical plan offered through Cigna, are at risk for type 2 diabetes or heart disease, and are accepted into the program, you'll receive the program at no cost.

Visit the FCPS Omada website to claim your benefit.