Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance

Disease reporting and investigation are critical parts of the prevention and control of communicable diseases. In order to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases, aggressive efforts must be made to identify factors that allow cases to continue. Several vaccine preventable diseases are reportable by law in Virginia. They include, but are not limited to diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, measles, mumps, pertussis, poliomyelitis, rubella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, tetanus, and varicella. Diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, measles, pertussis, and poliomyelitis should all be reported to the Virginia Department of Health within 24 hours of diagnosis by the most rapid means available. The remaining diseases should be reported within one week of diagnosis. Disease specific surveillance worksheets must be completed by the local or district health department and submitted with the accompanying Confidential Morbidity Report (Epi-1).

These worksheets can be found in the CDC Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-preventable Diseases or below the appropriate header. Please refer to the manual for guidance when conducting investigations for vaccine-preventable diseases. For addition assistance, contact the Division of Immunization at (804) 864-8055.