Virginia Department of Health

Message from the State Health Commissioner

Seasonal Flu

Influenza activity is widespread in Virginia and typically begins to peak this time of year. As people return to school and work, it’s important to remember the basics of avoiding illness and stopping the spread of flu.

• It’s not too late to get a flu shot.  Whether you get the shot or nasal mist, vaccination is the best way to reduce illness.
• Wash your hands. Make sure you wash your hands well and frequently and model this behavior for children.
• Cover your cough. Cough/sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue—and don’t forget to wash your hands afterward!
• Stay home if you’re sick. Staying home when you’re sick and keeping children home from school when they are ill helps keep others from catching the flu.

Find out where to get a flu vaccine >>>

Take Precautions in Extreme Cold Weather

As temperatures are predicted to fall into the single digits during the next several days, VDH encourages everyone to protect themselves against serious health problems that can result from prolonged exposure to the cold.

• Tips to stay healthy during extreme cold >>

Winter Weather Preparedness

Are you ready for winter weather?

Take this time to prepare before a winter emergency hits to reduce the risk of weather-related health problems and injuries. Learn more about preparing yourself and loved ones for winter weather here. More>>

Measles Update

February 2015

From January 1 to February 6, 2015, 121 people from 17 states in the U.S. have been reported with measles. Most of these cases are part of a large, ongoing outbreak linked to an amusement park in California. To date, there have been no cases of measles reported in Virginia this year.

Between 2009 and 2014, 13 cases of measles were reported in Virginia. Six of these individuals were unvaccinated (three of whom were too young to receive vaccine), five were not fully vaccinated, and two were fully vaccinated. In Virginia, 88.6 percent of children have received the measles vaccine by their second birthday and 93.1 percent are fully vaccinated against measles when they begin school.

Measles is highly infectious, but it is also highly preventable through vaccination. The Virginia Department of Health urges persons who are not vaccinated or whose children have not been vaccinated, to receive vaccine as soon as possible. You may receive vaccine from your doctor or local health department. Virginia Code allows for exemption from required immunizations for religious and/or medical reasons; however, exemption rates remain low at 0.19 percent for medical and 0.84 percent for religious reasons.

• General measles information
• More Information
• Guidance for healthcare providers and healthcare settings
• Measles vaccination recommendations
• School Vaccination Rates
• Medical and Religious Exemptions