Rising 6th, 12th Grade Students Eligible for Immunizations
<bt>Every student who is entering sixth grade is now required by the state to receive a dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccine, and each student entering 12th grade is required to get a hepatitis B vaccine to comply with new Virginia immunization requirements. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students can get these vaccinations at any of several free clinics sponsored by the Fairfax County Health Department.
The required vaccinations are available at no cost to Fairfax County residents at Fairfax County Health Department clinics. Locations, contact information, and walk-in hours can be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/hdclinicsite.htm. Each student must be accompanied by an adult and should bring his or her immunization records to the clinic. No appointment is necessary, except where noted. In addition to the Fairfax County Health Department clinics, the following sites will also be administering the Tdap and hepatitis B vaccines:
*Friday, Aug. 4, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Fairfax County Health Department Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233, Alexandria, 703-704-6100.
*Wednesday, Aug. 23, 4 to 6 p.m., North County Human Services Building, first floor multipurpose room, 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, 703-481-4242.
*Saturday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Road, Burke, 703-569-1031.
*Monday, Aug. 28, 4 to 6 p.m., Providence Elementary School cafeteria, 3616 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, 703-481-4242.
*Thursday, Aug. 31, 8 to 10:30 a.m., Fairfax County Health Department Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233, Alexandria, 703-704-6100.
*Saturday, Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m. to noon, Region II Human Services Building, 6245 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100, Falls Church, 703-534-8343.
*Monday, Sept. 18, 4 to 6 p.m., Chantilly Regional Library meeting room, 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, 703-481-4242.
*Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to noon, Fairfax County Health Department Mount Vernon District Office, 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233, Alexandria, 703-704-6100. Questions should be directed to 703-569-1031.
<sh>Legislation for Spa, Pool Safety
<bt>Nancy Baker of McLean participated in a press conference on July 27 with U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and U.S. Sen. George Allen (R-VA) to introduce legislation aimed at preventing accidental drownings in swimming pools and spas. Baker's 7-year-old daughter Graeme drowned four years ago when she became trapped in the suction of a spa's drain. The legislation would allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission to develop minimum standards to improve swimming pool and spa safety. Incentive grants will also be provided to assist states in hiring and training employees to implement the standards and conduct public awareness campaigns. Similar legislation was enacted in Florida in 2000.
<sh>Back to School Fashion Event
<bt>Tysons Corner Center is hosting a Back to School fashion event the same weekend that Virginia has authorized its first Tax Free holiday. Three stages throughout the mall will showcase must-haves for students heading back to school this fall. The newest apparel, accessories and gadgets will be on display, as well as what every college dorm room needs. Students from Fairfax County Public School's Classroom on the Mall will be the teen spokespersons by assisting in the choice of items displayed at the Fashion Event, and the modeling of these items. The Tax Free weekend is Aug. 4-6, and the Fashion Event will take place on Aug. 5, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
<sh>Calling On All Non-profit Organizations
<bt>All non-profit organizations are invited to participate in Macy's "Shop For A Cause" fundraiser on Sept. 16 at the new Macy's Tysons Corner (formerly known as Hechts). Macy's will provide organizations with shopping passes to be sold for $5 each. Every dollar goes directly to your organization and Macy's will not receive any percentage of the money made. There will be different types of entertainment and prizes during the day. Organizations that would like to participate or have any questions for this event on should call Denise Schoepfer at 703-893-4900 ext. 499 or fax 703-790-8959.