Immunizations

Vaccines and Immunizations

Vaccines are one of our most important tools for preventing the spread of disease. The health department’s immunization program wants to make sure every adult and child receives the vaccines they need. This information has been gathered to help you learn more about our program. Please call your local health department for questions about vaccine availability and cost.

 

Health department vaccines and immunizations are available by appointment only!

Image of b2014 Recommended Immunization for children from birth to 6 years old. Click to access the source image at CDC.How They Work

Vaccines work with your body to strengthen the immune system and build up immunity to disease and infections. By imitating infections, the immune system can develop the same response it would to a real infection, without making an individual sick. This allows the body to fight the vaccine-prevented disease in the future and protects from the continued spreading of disease.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcftgu1Dwk4

School Required Vaccines

Is your child up to date with their school required vaccines? There is a required list of immunizations for schools and day cares. Your health department is able to work with you to make sure the necessary vaccines are given and documented for your child. Many of the required vaccines for school-aged children can be obtained free of charge. Contact your local health department to learn more about our vaccines for children program!

The Central Shenandoah Health District will  be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders within Harrisonburg City, Rockingham County, Staunton City, Augusta County, and Waynesboro City Public School Districts this spring. Only students enrolled in the individual schools and their corresponding clinics may attend these in-school clinics. Parents must return the required consent forms prior to these clinics in order for their children to receive their vaccines. The list of clinic dates (as of 03/19/2024) is below:

Staunton, Augusta, Waynesboro:

  • Staunton High School and Shelburne Middle School: March 22
  • Stuarts Draft Middle & High School, Wilson Middle & High School: April 5
  • Stewart Middle School, Beverly Manor Middle School, Fort Defiance High School: April 19
  • Waynesboro High School and Kate Collins Middle School: April 26

Harrisonburg, Rockingham:

  • Harrisonburg High School: March 22
  • Broadway High School & JF Hillyard Middle School: April 29
  • Turner Ashby High School & Wilber Pence Middle School: April 30
  • Spotswood High School & Montevideo Middle School: May 3
  • East Rock High School & Elkton Middle School: May 3
  • Thomas Harrison Middle School: May 6
  • Skyline Middle School: May 7
  • Harrisonburg High School: May 10

Please reach out to your child’s school if you have questions on how to sign your child up for these in-school clinic opportunities.

Travel Immunizations

Many people travel to other countries for work, school, or vacation. There are routine, recommended, and required vaccines depending on where you will be traveling. Your health department can help provide you with information and recommendations 4 to 6 months before your trip as well as get you the vaccines you need. More information can be found on the CDC’s Travelers’ Health webpage.

Clinics are available at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Health Department! Call HRHD directly, or your local health department office, to make an appointment.

Impact of Vaccinations

Vaccinations help diseases become rare. Diseases like polio and diphtheria are becoming rare in the US because they are continuously vaccinated against. As long as people continue to vaccinate, other diseases should follow this trend. If we stop vaccinating, diseases that once had a low incidence rate will increase, resulting in more people with the disease. Ensuring that you and your family are properly vaccinated protects you now and in the future. Vaccinations help children grow into strong individuals free of preventable disease and ensure the best life possible. There is value investing in vaccines.

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