Orange Health Department Holding Back to School Vaccine Clinic

July 13, 2018

For More Information, Contact

  • VDH-Northern Region Public Information Officer Lorrie Andrew-Spear – 703-530-2627

Friday, July 20 from 1 – 3:30 p.m.

(Warrenton, Va.)— The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is hosting a free school vaccine clinic at the Orange Health Department July 20 from 1 – 3:30 p.m. The focus is on preventing meningitis (meningococcal disease) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer. Other school vaccines will be provided as appropriate.

HPV is a very common virus. Nearly 80 million people, or about one in four, are currently infected with HPV in the United States. Without intervention, almost every person will contract an HPV infection during his or her lifetime. Persistent infections with cancer-causing HPV can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women, penile cancers in men, and oropharyngeal and anal cancers in both men and women. Every year in the United States, an estimated 19,200 women and 11,600 men are diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV infection. A screening test does not exist for oropharyngeal cancers, making infection prevention a priority.

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and infections of the blood. Meningococcal disease often occurs without warning – even among people who are otherwise healthy. Even when it is treated, meningococcal disease kills 10 to 15 infected people out of 100. In addition, of those who survive, about 10 to 20 out of every 100 will suffer disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, kidney damage, amputations, nervous system problems or severe scars from skin grafts.

Pre-teens and teens ages 10-18 are eligible to participate in the clinic on July 20 from 1 – 3:30 p.m. at the Orange County Health Department at 450 N. Madison Road in Orange. More details:

  • No appointment is necessary
  • If you have insurance, the health department will complete billing but there will be NO COST to you
  • Those without insurance qualify for our Community Health Improvement Initiative and will also receive shots at NO COST

For more information, call the Orange Health Department at 540-672-1291.