Vaccines can prevent common diseases that used to seriously harm or even kill infants, children, and adults. Without vaccines, your child is at risk of becoming seriously ill or even dying from childhood diseases such as measles and whooping cough. AHD's Director and pediatrician Dr. David Rose shared a letter this summer explaining the importance of childhood immunizations. 

Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, 7th grade, 12th grade, and when transferring in. Failure to do so may impact a student’s ability to return to school in the fall. 

A list of required school immunizations and related forms/documents are available on the Virginia Department of Health website. 

Where to get a vaccine

Immunizations are available from your child's doctor, pharmacies, or clinics. Or, make an appointment with Alexandria Health Department or the Teen Wellness Center.  

Regardless of age, we all need immunizations to keep us healthy. With time, immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off and you may be at risk for new and different diseases. With adulthood comes responsibility, including the need to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Everyone should make sure they're up to date on these routine vaccines:

• COVID-19 vaccine
• Flu vaccine (influenza)
• Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria)

You may need other vaccines, too.  Review the sections below to learn what other vaccines you may need based on:

• Age
• Life events, job, or travel
• Health conditions
• If you are pregnant or have a medical condition that puts you at higher risk for infections, talk to your health care provider about which vaccines are right for you.

Where Adults Can Get Vaccines

Vaccinations for adults are available from your health care provider, some pharmacies, and Alexandria Health Department's clinic at 4850 Mark Center Drive. 

Bring all immunization records to your appointment. 

NOW is the best time to get vaccinated before respiratory viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19 start spreading more widely. Vaccines are now available to protect you and your family.

Current recommendations (as of October 9, 2025) are summarized below: 

1. Flu Vaccine

• What to know: It’s approved and recommended for everyone 6 months and older. 

• What to do: You can get it now from your doctor or a pharmacy. If you do not have health insurance, you can get this season's flu vaccine at a sliding fee scale by appointment only at Alexandria Health Department. Call 703.746.4888 for appointments. 

  CDC Flu Vaccine Website

   

2. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine

• What to know: It’s a one-time shot, approved and recommended for:
  • Everyone 75 and older
  • People 50–74 with certain health conditions (like chronic illness, severe obesity, weakened immune systems, or those living in nursing homes)
  • Pregnant people who are 32–36 weeks along and due between September and January
  • Some babies born during RSV season if their mother didn’t get the vaccine during pregnancy.

CDC RSV Vaccine Website 

3. COVID-19 Vaccine

• What to Know: It's approved for everyone 6 months +. Ask your doctor or a pharmacist for the shot if you want it. 
  • Deciding if the shot is right for you or your child? The CDC has recommended people have individual conversations with a provider about getting the shot. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians have collectively recommended the shot for every person age 6 months and older, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 
• Where to Get It:  Get it from your doctor or a pharmacy. If you do not have health insurance, you can get this season's COVID-19 vaccine at a sliding fee scale by appointment only at Alexandria Health Department. Call 703.746.4888 for appointments. 
  • Note on COVID-19 vaccines for children under 3 years old. 
    • Pharmacists cannot give COVID-19 vaccines to children under 3.
    • Uninsured children can get vaccinated at AHD. Call 703.746.4888 to make an appointment.
    • Insured children cannot get vaccinated at AHD. Parents should:
      • Call their child’s doctor to ask if they offer the COVID-19 vaccine. (Some doctors may not have it this year due to cost.)
      • Visit a CVS Minute Clinic, which offers vaccines for children 18 months and older.
  • AHD is working to provide more information about vaccine options for insured children ages 6 to 18 months. 

Visit AHD's mpox page for information on places to get the mpox vaccine in Alexandria.