October marks the start of flu season, and this year, Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is encouraging people to act now to prevent severe illness from respiratory viruses that can cause coughing, fever, headaches, and other severe illnesses. 

You can help prevent the spread of illnesses by relying on normal healthy habits like getting vaccines, washing your hands, and staying home when sick. AHD is also sharing a couple of updates this year with our community: 

• Free COVID-19 and flu tests are no longer available for pick‑up at AHD or Alexandria libraries due to changes in the state supply. Tests are still easy to buy or request from your healthcare provider.
• AHD is offering flu shots on a sliding fee scale for uninsured residents only. COVID‑19 and RSV vaccines are not available at AHD, but they’re widely offered at pharmacies and doctor’s offices.

See more details below or visit www.alexandriava.gov/FluSeason.

Vaccines - What to Know

Getting vaccines is a safe, effective way to prevent respiratory illnesses that go around more in the winter. The Virginia Department of Health recommends the following vaccines. 

• Flu Vaccine: This yearly vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. They’re available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and – for uninsured residents - AHD.
• RSV Vaccine: This one-time vaccine is approved and recommended for certain groups including older adults and pregnant people. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about your eligibility and ask about insurance coverage. 
• COVID-19 Vaccine: This fall’s updated vaccine is approved for everyone six months and older and highly recommended for high-risk groups like young children, older adults, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people.  

Learn more at www.alexandriava.gov/Vaccines or call AHD at 703.746.4988. Interpreters are available.

Healthy Habits Save Lives!

Small actions protect you and those most vulnerable in our community:

• Stay home if you feel sick and wait at least 24 hours after a fever passes before returning to normal activities.
• Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and use sanitizer if needed.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
• Wear a mask if you want extra protection.
• Clean high‑touch surfaces often.

If you get sick: 

If you develop a cough, fever, or other respiratory symptoms, stay home and consider taking a test. While AHD no longer provides free pick‑up tests, they are widely available across Alexandria.

If you test positive for a respiratory virus, contact your doctor quickly. Some antiviral treatments can prevent severe illness, but they must be started early.

More information is available on AHD’s Flu Season website.