Highlights
Adults: Vaccines are not just for kids
All adults should get vaccines to protect their health. Even healthy adults can become seriously ill and pass diseases on to others. Everyone should have their vaccination needs assessed at their doctor’s office, pharmacy, or other visits with health care providers. Certain vaccines are recommended based on a person’s age, occupation, or health conditions (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes or heart disease). Vaccination is important because it protects the person receiving the vaccine and helps prevent the spread of disease, especially to those who are most vulnerable to serious complications (such as infants and young children, the…Read more
What you need to know about Vibrio
Roughly a dozen Vibrio species are known to cause a bacterial disease called vibriosis in humans, with the most common in the United States being V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. alginolyticus. The Vibrio species that cause vibriosis naturally live in the salt or brackish (i.e., somewhat salty) waters of Virginia’s coastal zone. People with vibriosis become infected by eating raw or undercooked seafood or exposing a wound to seawater. Most infections occur from May through October when water temperatures are warmer. Vibrio vulnificus, in particular, can cause severe or fatal infections. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as liver…Read more
Before you take off for a Spring getaway, business trip, or family visit, there are some things you should know about Zika. Use these tips to plan ahead: Before your Summer trip: If you are pregnant, do not travel to an area with Zika. If you or your partner are trying to get pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before traveling to an area with Zika. Check the latest travel recommendations from the CDC During your Spring trip: Protect yourself from mosquito bites Keep mosquitoes outside by staying in places with air-conditioning and windows and doors, or use a bed net After…Read more
Latest from the Commissioner
Virginia's Plan for Well-Being
Learn about Virginia's Plan for Well-Being from State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine. Help Virginia become the Healthiest State in the Nation. www.virginiawellbeing.com Read more
State Health Commissioner Comments on Opioid Addiction Declaration
These remarks were delivered on November 21, 2016 at 10am Good morning. This is Dr. Marissa Levine, Virginia State Health Commissioner here with key state agency colleagues for an important announcement about the opioid addiction crisis in Virginia. Thank you for joining us this morning. We are here today in the shadow of the Surgeon General’s…Read more