Summer 2026

FCPS Wellness Newsletter

Schedule Your Summer Vacation and Your Child’s Immunizations!

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Several immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grades. 

• All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations before the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) booster, 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.
• To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 and 12, but can be given as early as 9 years old. 
• 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 to receive two doses of Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine prior to the beginning of school. 
• To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.

As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time. 

Where to Receive Immunizations

If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s health care provider or one of the following opportunities:

• FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing  school-required immunizations for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place during the summer of 2026 at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may  view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.

• If you do not have a health care provider, visit a Health Department clinic. Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) clinics offer immunizations to all Fairfax County students, as well as those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations or need a booster.FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come, first-served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment by appointment and the FCHD Back-to-School immunization clinics begin July 31.
• Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekend clinics are available in June, July, and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or uninsured Inova-registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.

Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.

Fuel Your Summer with FCPS Meals

Learning doesn't stop when school ends — and neither should access to healthy food. FCPS remains committed to providing nutritious meals for students all summer long. The Summer Food Service Program ensures every student has the nutrition needed to stay engaged and return to the classroom ready to succeed.

Starting Monday, June 22, any student can visit an eligible site to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. These summer meals meet the same high nutritional standards as those served during the school year. Meals include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and low-fat or fat-free milk, as well as plant-based options.

This year, a special program is available for families. Thanks to support from Educate Fairfax, adults can also receive a no-cost breakfast and lunch at select locations.

There is no sign-up or registration required. Simply arrive at a participating location during the following times:

• Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.
• Lunch: Noon to 1 p.m.

While students must eat their meals on-site, safety remains a priority during extreme weather. In the event of excessive heat or air quality alerts, parents may pick up meals to take home. 

Additional meal sites will be added throughout the summer. For the most current list of locations, dates, and the full menu, please visit the Food and Nutrition Services website. For questions, assistance is available at 703-813-4800 or via email at summermeals@fcps.edu.

Summer Mental Wellness Resources

No-Cost Telemental Health Services Expanding to FCPS Middle School Students

All high school students in FCPS have access to free telemental health services through Hazel Health. Beginning July 1, 2026, middle school students will also have access to this service at no cost to families.

Virtual therapy sessions provide a safe space to address concerns such as: 

• Mood/behavior changes, motivation, grief/loss.
• Anxiety, worry, fears.
• Social skills, bullying, peer and family relationships.
• Academic stress.

Parents/Guardians can refer a student by visiting the FCPS Teletherapy webpage or by contacting their child’s school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or Director of Student Services.

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Additional Mental Health Resources

FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. Parents/guardians and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.

Don’t Let the Summer Heat Spoil Your Fun

High heat and humidity can not only cause illness but can also be deadly. While older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions can be more at risk, everyone is susceptible to heat-related illness. Whether playing, working, or exercising outside in the heat, everyone should know prevention strategies as well as the warning signs to look for. 

Follow these prevention tips during heat emergencies:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Stay inside and out of the heat, if possible.
• Dress in lightweight clothing.
• Never leave children, seniors, or pets alone in a car.
• Wear sunscreen.

Heat-related illnesses:

• Dehydration: 
• Symptoms: dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, dark-colored urine, muscle cramps.
• Action: Sip water or electrolyte drinks. Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Heat rash:
• Symptoms: clusters of red bumps caused by excessive sweating on neck or skin folds.
• Action: Keep the area cool and dry. Don’t use ointments or creams.
• Heat syncope: 
• Symptoms: fainting or near fainting following dizziness, usually while running or a sudden change in position. Caused by a drop in blood pressure as the brain is deprived of oxygenated blood.
• Action: Sit or lie down in a cool place. Sip water, clear juice, or an electrolyte drink.
• Heat cramps: 
• Symptoms: tightening or spasm of active muscles, without loss of consciousness. Caused by an electrolyte imbalance.
• Action: Drink water or an electrolyte drink and have a snack every 15 to 20 minutes to replace carbohydrates and electrolytes. 
• Heat exhaustion: 
• Symptoms: dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting may be accompanied by irrational behavior or belligerence and some muscle cramping. Loss of consciousness may occur.
• Action: Move to a cool place. Loosen clothing. Put cool, wet wash cloths on your body or take a cool bath.
• Heat stroke (sun stroke):  heat stroke is an acute medical emergency!
• Symptoms: Central nervous system dysfunction characterized by disorientation, irrational behavior, decreased mental acuity, irritability, emotional instability, confusion, hysteria, or apathy with body core temperature 104 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Symptoms may rapidly progress to convulsions, coma, or possibly death, without immediate treatment.
• Action: Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler environment, rapidly cool their body with cold water or ice, and do not give them fluids. 

During extended periods of heat, it’s best to stay indoors in a cool place. If you don’t have access to indoor air conditioning, seek out shopping malls, stores, movie theaters, or your local library. You can also seek cooling centers offered by Fairfax County Government.

Fireworks Safety: Ensure Your July 4 Celebration is a Safe One

The Fourth of July just wouldn’t be the same without those breathtaking fireworks. While they can be exciting and entertaining, those beautiful fireworks can turn your holiday into a tragedy within seconds. 

Fireworks have caused thousands of injuries (many causing permanent damage) and fires every year. Safety experts, including the National Safety Council and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, recommend attending professional displays instead of using fireworks at home. 

Follow these tips to stay safe when around fireworks:

• When displaying legally purchased, approved fireworks, place them on a flat surface, clear of any combustible material and clear of all buildings.
• Keep all bystanders at least 25 feet away from fireworks.
• Read the directions.
• Do not permit young children to handle or light fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never throw fireworks.
• Sparklers can be very dangerous and account for the majority of injuries. Pieces can break off and burn bystanders.
• Young children should not use sparklers, as these can attain a temperature as high as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Do not relight fireworks that fail to activate.
• Leave them isolated for at least 15 minutes.
• Soak them in water for an additional 5 minutes.
• Place them in a plastic trash bag and dispose of them in regular trash.

Safer Ways to Celebrate

Instead of setting off fireworks at home, families can enjoy safer activities such as:

• Watching a professional fireworks show
• Using glow sticks or LED lights
• Hosting an outdoor movie night
• Decorating with patriotic crafts and lights
• Attending community festivals or parades

 Adapted from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s Fireworks Safety page.

The Stay Sharp Challenge for FCPS Staff💤

Sleep affects almost every system in the body, including the heart, lungs, metabolism, and immune system. Sleep is also critical for your brain. While you’re sleeping, your mind is actively removing toxins that build up during the day. If you are sleep-deprived, it’s harder to learn, react, form new memories, and concentrate.

Challenge yourself to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night by joining the Stay Sharp Challenge from June 1-30, 2026.

For more information on how FCPS staff can join and track their sleep, visit Wellness Challenges on the Social Wellness page in Atlas.

Presented by CareFirst for FCPS CareFirst and Kaiser Permanente benefited employees.