Time is running out before classes resume Aug. 24
Alexandria parents and guardians have little more than a month to arrange the required school physicals, vaccinations and sports clearances for the fall semester, city health officials warned this week. The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) said demand climbs in late summer and urged families not to wait to book appointments.
Why the push matters now
The reminder comes as Virginia confronts a measles outbreak with more than 150 confirmed cases statewide. City data also show increases in other vaccine-preventable illnesses in recent years, prompting AHD Director Dr. David Rose to emphasize the role of immunizations in protecting children's health and keeping them in school.
"Don't skip vaccines," AHD Director Dr. David Rose said. "Vaccines are the safest and most reliable way to keep kids healthy, learning, and growing strong."
What families in Alexandria must have before school starts
Local rules reflect state requirements. The department reminded residents that:
- Children entering public kindergarten need a school physical before classes begin.
- Students entering kindergarten, seventh and 12th grade must meet Virginia's immunization requirements to attend schools and child-care facilities.
- Youth participating in school sports need a sports physical confirming they are fit to play; these are often completed during a routine wellness visit.
Where to get exams and vaccines in Alexandria
AHD recommends starting with a child’s primary care provider for routine checkups, vaccines and sports physicals. For families without an established provider, the department said several alternatives are available locally.
- Vaccinations at many area pharmacies.
- Vaccines for all ages at AHD’s Main Clinic.
- Services for teens (ages 12–19) at AHD’s Teen Wellness Center, including sports physicals.
The department also reminded families to request documentation after any visit. Schools, daycares and sports programs require medical records and proof of immunizations.
| Requirement | Who it applies to |
|---|---|
| School physical | Kindergarten entrants (and many preschool students) |
| Required vaccinations | Students entering kindergarten, 7th grade, 12th grade |
| Sports physical | Youth participating in athletics (often ages 12–19) |
For the full list of immunization requirements, AHD points families to the Virginia Department of Health website at vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements. Local details about vaccines and teen services appear on the city pages: alexandriava.gov/Vaccines and alexandriava.gov/TeenWellnessCenter.
As Alexandria prepares for the new school year, health officials say early scheduling can prevent last-minute delays and help reduce the spread of diseases that are preventable by vaccines—an issue that has statewide implications as Virginia faces an active measles outbreak.
