WASHINGTON — Back to school is upon us and as parents check off their to-do list of things needed to send their children off, immunizations could find its way to the top of the checklist.
Across the country, many families fell behind on required vaccinations during the last few years due to the pandemic.
Now that schools are back in full swing, health departments are making the push to get families to make sure they are up-to-date.
As doors prepare to open to students across the DMV, schools and health departments are making it easy to access the vaccinations needed to attend. Throughout the region multiple clinics are being hosted to make sure the students are getting all the shots they need for their age and grade level.
D.C.
District law requires students in all D.C. schools including private, parochial, and independent schools, to be fully compliant with required vaccinations to attend school. Schools are required to verify immunization certification for all students as part of attendance.
In the District, three main resources, other than the child's regular healthcare provider, are available to provide youth with vaccines.
- Vaccine-only clinics at Mary’s Center (daily appointments available), Unity Health Care (Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in August and September), and Children’s National Medical Center (Tuesday through Friday at all Goldberg Health Centers and Saturday at select health centers).
- School-based health centers that are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. Click here to book an appointment.
- Mobile clinics are available by appointment from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at select D.C. public schools and public charter schools. Click here to book an appointment online. (Click here for Spanish.)
Virginia
In Virginia, state law requires students entering kindergarten, seventh grade, senior year of high school, and for new students transferring into schools to provide proof of require vaccinations.
The Fairfax County Health Department has prepared a list of resources families can utilize to get their student vaccinated. Click here to schedule an appointment or find a clinic.
Maryland
In order to attend school in Maryland all children are required to have immunizations required by the state. Parents are responsible for providing proof of immunization to the school or proof of an appointment for the immunizations needed within 20 calendar days of the first day of school.
Prince George's County has free clinics for back-to-school immunizations for students of the county. Click here to schedule an appointment.