Chesterfield Health District Offering Back-to-School Immunization Clinics
Parents and Caregivers Encouraged to Avoid the Summer Rush
While summer fun is in full swing, now is a great time to start thinking about your child’s back to school vaccinations. The Chesterfield Health District is encouraging parents and guardians to get their children school-required vaccinations as soon as possible to avoid the rush that occurs during the late summer months. Children entering daycare, public and private school must give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends that children are immunized in accordance with the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Vaccines are still required for school entry and remain the same as listed in the Code of Virginia. VDH encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations.
Immunizations are the best defense against infectious disease. Measles is a recent example. The highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the year 2000 is experiencing a surge in the U.S. with more than 2,200 confirmed cases reported so far this year, including 177 cases in Virginia.
Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school. Vaccines are available through pediatrician offices, pharmacies, and all local health departments. Check in advance to see if appointments may be necessary.
“Primary care appointments are going to be difficult to find in time for the start of school in August,” said nurse manager LaWanda Dunn. “We are hosting back-to-school clinics now to alleviate the burden on parents next month.”
Chesterfield Health District will provide back-to-school vaccinations on the following dates. Visit ChesterfieldVA.health for full details.
• Friday, July 24
• Monday, July 27
• Saturday, Aug. 1
A copy of the child’s vaccination record is required. If it is not readily available, a copy of the record can be requested through the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). If you have health insurance, please bring your insurance card or Medicaid card if applicable.
VDH encourages parents to make an appointment as soon as possible to save the stress of trying to get required vaccinations at the last minute, potentially missing the first day of school. For more information, please contact Chesterfield Health District at 804-748-1750.