Immunizations
Benefits of Vaccination
Before the introduction of vaccines, it would be expected that over 500,000 Americans would contract measles each year, causing over 7,000 deaths. Fortunately, widespread use of vaccinations has virtually eliminated measles and many other vaccine-preventable infections as a cause of death in the United States.
Most of these infections, though, are still very common in many other parts of the world and are just an airplane ride away; being up to date on childhood and adult vaccinations is our main defense against contracting these deadly infections.
Immunization by Appointment
The Health Department provides adult and childhood immunizations by appointment only. It is important to bring your immunization records for your first visit and anytime they are updated by another health care provider to determine what vaccines are needed. The Health Department does not provide single doses of measles, mumps, or rubella vaccine. It is only administered as a combined Measles / Mumps / Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Vaccines required for entry to school are provided at no cost to the patient. Administrative fees may be applied to private insurance.
To schedule an appointment, please call 703-777-0236. View directions to the Shenandoah Building located at:
102 Heritage Way NE
Suite 100
Leesburg, VA 20176
Any mail sent to the Health Department needs to be sent to the post office box at:
P.O. Box 7400
Leesburg, VA 20177
Immunization Requirements for School Entry
Tdap Vaccine
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acelluar Pertussis) vaccine is required for all students entering the 6th grade who have not received a dose of tetanus-containing vaccine in the last five years.
- View the Tdap vaccine fact sheet.
HPV Vaccine
As of October 1, 2008, the first of three doses of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine is required for all girls before entering the 6th grade. Parents will be permitted to opt out of their child's receipt of this vaccine.
- View the HPV vaccine fact sheet.
Resources
- Fact Sheet about Childhood Vaccines (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)
- Facts for Parents about Autism and Vaccine Safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Immunization Schedules from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Travel Vaccination Clinics (PDF)
- Vaccine Safety information from the CDC
- Loudoun County Public School Minimum Immunization Requirements