Now is the best time to get vaccinated for respiratory viruses like flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

1. Flu Vaccine
   1. An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Older adults should ask about high-dose vaccines. 
   2. Get it now from your doctor or a pharmacy. Alexandria Health Department has flu shots for uninsured people only (children and adults).  Call 703.746.4888 for appointments. 
2. COVID-19 Vaccine
   1. A 2026-27 COVID-19 shot is available for everyone 6 months + and strongly recommended for people at higher risk like older adults, pregnant people, and very young children.
   2. Get it from your doctor or a pharmacy. Alexandria Health Department does not yet have any COVID-19 vaccines for the 2026-2027 season.
   3. Note: COVID-19 vaccines may not be available to children under 3 at Virginia pharmacies. Ask your child's doctor about available shots. 
3. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine
   1. A one-time shot is recommended for:
      1. Everyone 75 and older
      2. People 50–74 with certain health conditions (like chronic illness, severe obesity, weakened immune systems, or those living in nursing homes)
      3. Pregnant people who are 32–36 weeks along and due between September and January and some babies born during RSV season if their mother didn’t get the vaccine during pregnancy.
   2. Talk to a doctor or pharmacy about getting an RSV vaccine. Always ask about costs - some Medicare plans do not cover the cost of the RSV vaccine. Alexandria Health Department does not carry RSV shots. 

Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, 7th grade, 12th grade, and when transferring in. Students who don't get their vaccines may not be able to go to school. 

A list of required school immunizations and related documents are available on the Virginia Department of Health website. 

You can get required vaccines from: 

• A pediatrician
• A pharmacy
• A special clinic
• The Alexandria Health Department and Teen Wellness Center (details below)

Download Alexandria's School Immunizations Flyer

Regardless of age, we all need immunizations to keep us healthy. With time, immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off and you may be at risk for new and different diseases. With adulthood comes responsibility, including the need to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Everyone should make sure they're up to date on these routine vaccines:

• COVID-19 vaccine
• Flu vaccine (influenza)
• Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) or Td vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria)

You may need other vaccines, too.  Review the sections below to learn what other vaccines you may need based on:

• Age
• Life events, job, or travel
• Health conditions
• If you are pregnant or have a medical condition that puts you at higher risk for infections, talk to your health care provider about which vaccines are right for you.

Where Adults Can Get Vaccines

Vaccinations for adults are available from your health care provider, some pharmacies, and Alexandria Health Department's clinic at 4850 Mark Center Drive. 

Bring all immunization records to your appointment. 

Visit AHD's mpox page for information on places to get the mpox vaccine in Alexandria.