Category: VDH

Virginia health secretary Marvin Figueroa and health commissioner Cameron Webb are steering the state’s public health agencies as state health departments nationwide grapple with federal shifts that threaten to drain budgets and slash workforces. Read more.>>

Virginia’s new public health leaders take the helm as state agencies weather uncharted waters

(RICHMOND, Va.) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) recently launched its new logo to reflect a unified identity and strengthened commitment to Virginia’s EMS providers, system partners and the communities they serve.  

The refreshed logo honors OEMS’ core values and responsibility to ensure quality prehospital care to all people in Virginia, while aligning with VDH’s main brand identity and vision. The new OEMS logo also highlights the future of EMS in Virginia, as it moves toward a more accountable and sustainable office and EMS system.   

“The new OEMS logo symbolizes the progress we continue to make as an office and as part of the broader EMS system at the state and national levels,” said OEMS Director Dr. Maria Beermann-Foat. “It reflects both our history and our future as we continue to strengthen our identity and reinforce our role in the advancement of quality prehospital emergency care in our communities. It also underscores our reestablished commitment to Virginia’s EMS providers as part of the wider VDH mission to protect and promote the health of Virginians.”  

A lot of thought and care went into the symbolism of this logo, which is steeped in EMS tradition, including the Star of Life and the Rod of Asclepius – all images that are synonymous with the EMS profession and the healthcare field. The logo also highlights the state of Virginia to illustrate inclusiveness and care for all people in the commonwealth. Learn more about the logo design and style guide.   

OEMS will begin transitioning to the new logo immediately, along with the seven designated OEMS regions. However, full implementation is expected to take several months, as we phase out our legacy logo during this time.   

To learn more about OEMS, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/.

Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reaffirming its commitment to vaccines as an essential tool in protecting the health of children, their families, and their communities. VDH recommends that children are vaccinated in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. VDH expects that healthcare providers will continue to rely on their clinical training and professional judgment and consult information published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians when engaging in shared clinical decision-making with parents, caregivers, and patients. 

American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 Immunization Schedule 

On January 26, 2026, the AAP published their Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, US, 2026, formally endorsed by 12 medical and healthcare organizations. This schedule routinely recommends vaccines against 18 diseases. VDH believes the AAP schedule optimally protects Virginia’s children and adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases.  Vaccines remain widely accessible in Virginia. VDH anticipates that Virginia healthcare providers will continue to offer these vaccines to children and adolescents. Patients should call their healthcare provider to confirm the availability of vaccines and ask questions about which vaccines are best for them.    

“Vaccines remain one of the most powerful public health tools that we have to keep Virginia families and communities healthy,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “The majority of Virginians  choose to vaccinate their children against these diseases. VDH continues to support Virginia’s families and healthcare providers by ensuring we reinforce science-based public health recommendations to inform those healthcare decisions. The recent increases in measles cases in Virginia and the United States are a strong reminder of the importance and power of vaccines to protect our health.”  

Virginia’s Vaccine Requirements for School Attendance Remain Unchanged 

Virginia school entrance requirements are outlined in Virginia statute and remain unchanged. Additional information on school immunization requirements can also be found on our webpage: School Requirements – Immunization.  

If you have questions about vaccines or vaccine-preventable diseases, please talk to your healthcare provider or contact your local health department for more information.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 6, 2026
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Confirmed Measles Case and an Exposure in Northern Region
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting a confirmed case of measles in a resident of the Northern Region. The patient is a pre-school age child (0-4 years). Additionally, VDH was notified of a confirmed case of measles that is a resident of another state and traveled through Ronald Regan Washington National airport on January 26. To protect the patients’ privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patients. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

• Heathcote Health Center, located at 15195 Heathcote Blvd. in Haymarket between 1:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Thursday, January 29.
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Terminal 2, located at 2401 Smith Blvd, Arlington between 12:30 pm and 10:30 pm Monday, January 26.
• Washington Area Metro on Monday, January 26:
  • Yellow Line Train from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station transferring at the Gallery Place – Chinatown station to the Red Line Train heading towards the Glenmont station between 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

To date in 2026, Virginia has reported six cases of measles. Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

• Report your exposure to VDH by completing this short survey. Public health officials will follow up with respondents if additional actions are needed.
• Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
  • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
  • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected and do not need to seek post-exposure treatment at this time.
• People who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles should contact their healthcare provider or call their local health department promptly to discuss any questions they might have. If you have already completed the above survey, your local health department will reach out to you to provide recommendations if additional actions are needed.
• Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
  • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
  • The most likely time you would become sick from these exposures is by February 19, 2026.
  • Contact your local health department or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

General Measles Information

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to 14 days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are at high risk of developing measles if they are exposed. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 5, 2026
DBHDS Contact: Lauren Cunningham, lauren.cunningham@dbhds.virginia.gov
VDH Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Encourage Virginians to Care for Their Mental Health During Winter Weather

RICHMOND, VA – As temperatures remain low and travel is impacted across Virginia, many Virginians might be experiencing feelings of stress, loneliness, isolation, or tension at home. The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) want to remind people to check in with themselves and those they love and reach out for help.

“Seasonal affective disorder – sometimes described as the ‘winter blues’ – is a real mental health condition that can affect anyone no matter their age, race, gender, or background,” said Virginia Health Commissioner, Dr. Cameron Webb. “Just as we prepare for winter storms to protect our physical health, it’s important to take steps to protect and support our mental health.”

Shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and reduced opportunities for outdoor activities can lead to feelings of isolation and seasonal depression. If you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental distress, substance use disorder, or need emotional support, call or text 988. 988 is a three-digit calling code for mental health crisis in Virginia. By contacting 988, you can get free, immediate help from a trained crisis worker 24/7, whether you would like emotional support, are worried about a loved one, or are considering harming yourself. To learn more about 988, visit 988va.org. In December 2025, Virginia 988 received over 36,200 calls, 3,900 chats, and 3,700 texts from individuals seeking help for themselves or a loved one.

“The winter months can bring moments of isolation, seasonal depression, and increased substance use,” said Daryl Washington, LCSW, Commissioner, DBHDS. “No matter who you are or where you live, 988 is here for you as an easy way to quickly connect with the support you need. It’s more than just an easy to remember number: it is a direct connection to compassionate and accessible care, when you need it the most.”

Mental Health Virginia offers a peer-run Warm Line for people not experiencing crisis, but who would like someone to talk to, or who request community mental health resources, or who have specific questions about their recovery journey. The peers who answer the Warm Line listen with compassion and provide non-judgmental support. You can call or text the Warm Line at 866-400-6428 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

You can also follow these practical tips from DBHDS to support mental wellness when spending more time indoors:

• Stay physically active with indoor workouts, stretching, or yoga.
• Schedule regular virtual or phone check‑ins with friends or family.
• Take short breaks from screens to rest your mind and reduce fatigue.
• Keep your living space tidy to reduce stress and promote a sense of control.
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness.
• Maximize time in rooms with natural light and sit in direct sunlight when practical.
• Balance indulgence in comfort foods with healthy fruits and vegetables that provide energy and digestive health.
• For those with children in the home, create visual schedules for the day that include times for activities, meals and snacks, and quiet/free time.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, there is help available. Contact the Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238 or the LGBTQ Partner Abuse and Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-356-6998. If you are not able to call, text 804-793-9999. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Abuse is a pattern of behavior used to gain power and control and can include physical abuse or emotional abuse. In addition to seeking help, VDH offers some strategies to keep you and your family safe:

• Identify a safe room: Find a room or area that you feel safe to go to in an argument. Be sure this space has no accessible weapons. Consider rooms with available exits to the outside.
• Keep Your Cell Phone Accessible: Keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times. Keep a charger nearby.
• Keep a Go Bag Ready: Keep a go bag with essential that you can grab and go quickly. If you are concerned that your partner will find the bag, keep it at a friend or family member’s house. Item to include in your go bag:
  • Essential documents and photos,
  • Medication and food,
  • Extra money
  • Change of clothes,
  • Extra keys, and
  • Extra charger for your phone.
• Take A Break: As safely as you can, find moments to spend outside. It is very difficult to remain inside all the time, especially if you feel building pressure in your relationship. When weather conditions make it safe to do so, take advantage of opportunities to run errands, take a walk, or just get out of your home.
• Consider Children: If you have children in the home, you must consider them as well.
  • Set up Code Words: Set code words or signals with your kids so you can communicate with them discretely to go into another room or call for help.
  • Practice Staying Calm: Talk to your kids about things that make them feel safe when they’re stressed out. Create a set of activities or practices they can do if they’re feeling stressed, scared, or overwhelmed.

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