Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe today.

In this summer issue:

• ❄️ Stay Cool This Summer: Local Cooling Centers
• 🏖️Stay Safe at the Beach This Season
• 🎒Back to School Immunization Clinic
• 🌍World Hepatitis Day
• 🧺Safe Picnic & Grilling Practices
• 🦟Mosquito, Tick, and Rabies Prevention
• 🌪️Extreme Weather Preparedness
• 💙Make a Difference: Volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps

NOTE: Today, July 17, Northern Virginia is experiencing haze due to smoke from Canadian wildfires resulting in code red air quality. Reduce exposure outdoors with these additional tips, When Smoke is in the Air | AirNow.gov

❄️ Stay Cool This Summer: Local Cooling Centers

High temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion quickly, and even for healthy individuals. Staying cool, hydrated, and aware of rising temperatures are key to preventing heat‑related illness.

During periods of extreme heat, cooling centers across our community offer a safe, air‑conditioned place for anyone who needs to cool down. If the heat becomes too much, you’re welcome to stop by while the facility is open.

Find the cooling center near you:

Cooling Centers - Environmental Public Health Tracking

Learn the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

Heat-related Illnesses | Heat | CDC

🏖️Stay Safe at the Beach This Season

The beach can be unpredictable, but your safety doesn’t have to. Water conditions can shift quickly, even on the sunniest days, so staying aware helps to make your visit enjoyable.

Here are a few tips to stay safe at the beach:

• Swim only in designated areas and follow lifeguard guidance
• Protect your skin with sunscreen and light, protective clothing
• Take shade breaks to avoid heat stress
• Drink plenty of fluids — don’t wait until you feel extremely thirsty
• Know your limits in the water and always swim with a buddy
• Check the weather before you go and stay alert while you’re there
• Never leave children and pets unsupervised. If you cannot supervise, designate a responsible adult to watch them closely
• Know how to escape a rip current: stay calm, float, and move parallel to the shore

🎒Back to School Immunization Clinic

Prince William Health District’s Back‑to‑School Immunization Clinic is coming up this August. All required school vaccines for children and youth will be available.

Dates & Hours

• August 10–21, 2026
• 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)

Locations

📍Manassas Clinic

9301 Lee Avenue Manassas, VA 20110

Phone: 703‑792‑6300

📍Woodbridge Clinic

4001 Prince William Parkway, Suite 101 Woodbridge, VA 22192

Phone: 703‑792‑7300

Scheduled and same‑day appointments may be available depending on clinic capacity, please call us to inquire.

Please bring your child's current vaccination record at the time of visit📄 

• If you are new to the U.S., bring the vaccination record from the country your child received care.
• If you are moving from another state, bring your child’s vaccination record from that state.
• If you are a Virginia resident, you may request a copy of their vaccination record online.

⏰Don’t wait until the last minute. Visit us early to avoid long lines and ensure your child is ready for the first day of school without delays.   Immunization Clinics - Prince William Health District

🌍World Hepatitis Day

July 28 is World Hepatitis Day.

Hepatitis affects millions of people worldwide, yet many may not experience the symptoms. Hepatitis A and B are vaccine-preventable, and early testing can help identify hepatitis B and C before serious liver damage occurs.

Protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Know your status
• Stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.

🧺Safe Picnic & Grilling Practices

Summer is the perfect time for picnics and backyard grilling, make sure you keep these simple habits in mind to keep food safe and yourself healthy.

Picnic Safety:

• Keep cold foods chilled in a cooler with ice packs.
• Store raw and cooked foods separately to avoid cross-contamination
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer before preparing or eating food.
• Cover food to keep insects away.

Grilling Safety:

• Keep grills at least 10 feet from homes, decks, and trees
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from the grill area
• Use long-handed utensils to reduce burn risk
• Never leave a hot grill unattended
• Have a plan to put out a fire if needed
• Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is fully cooked
• Dispose of coals safely and let them cool completely.

🦟Mosquito, Tick, and Rabies Prevention

Warm weather brings more mosquitoes, ticks, and wildlife activity. While these can carry diseases, simple steps can help protect you and your family.

Mosquito Prevention:

• Remove standing water around your home (buckets, toys, gutters).
• Use EPA‑approved insect repellent.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when possible.
• Keep window and door screens in good condition.

Virginia Department of Health - Mosquitoes

Tick Prevention:

• Check yourself, children, and pets after being outdoors.
• Shower soon after coming inside.
• Wear light‑colored clothing to spot ticks more easily.
• Walk in the center of trails and avoid tall grass.

Ticks Safety - Newsroom

Rabies Safety:

• Do not touch or feed wild animals.
• Keep pets vaccinated and supervised outdoors.
• Report animals acting strangely or appearing sick.
• If bitten or scratched, wash the area and seek medical care right away.

Rabies Control - Animal Contact & Human Health

🌪️Extreme Weather Preparedness

Hurricanes don’t wait for a season, and preparedness isn’t only for coastal areas.

Hurricanes can impact areas far from the coast. Even distant storms can bring heavy rain, flash flooding, and power outages. Preparing early helps keep you and your family safe.

Stay Ready Before Extreme Weather:

• Review your emergency plan
• Secure important documents
• Charge your devices and back up batteries
• Know your local hazards and evacuation routes
• Remember: Knowledge saves lives.

💙Make a Difference: Volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps

The Greater Prince William Medical Reserve Corps is seeking dedicated volunteers to help strengthen our community’s health and emergency readiness.

Whether you bring medical expertise or simply a willingness to serve, you’ll gain valuable training, build new skills, and make meaningful connections.

Why Volunteer?

• Flexible opportunities
• Community impact
• Training and skill-building
• A chance to support neighbors when it matters most.

Ready to make a difference? Join the GPW Medical Reserve Corps today!

Visit the Prince William Health District website to learn more about our programs and services.

Community Events | Join Our Team | Contact Info

Virginia Department of Health Call Center

1-877-VAX-IN-VA  |  1-877-829-4682  |  Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Subscriber Help