August 1, 2025
Media Contact: Michelle McPheron, michelle.mcpheron@vdh.virginia.gov
Lee, Wise, Scott Health Departments Holding Vaccination Clinics
WISE, Va. – Setting your kids up for success this school year means making sure they have all the tools they need, including vaccines to protect against preventable diseases such as meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and others. Lee, Scott, and Wise County/Norton City health departments are making it easy to get these required immunizations at a clinic during the month of August. School and sports physicals appointments are also available.
Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade.
Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school and work saving your family time and money.
“Vaccines are an important tool for keeping our children and communities healthy. School required vaccines are available at all our local health departments. Adolescent school required vaccines for rising 7th graders and rising 12th graders will also be available at orientation events next week at Union Middle School, LF Addington Middle School and Coeburn Middle School,” said Reisa Sloce, Director of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts.
Vaccines are safe and effective and are your child’s 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 1,200 cases reported so far this year, including three cases in Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations. Vaccines are available through your pediatrician, pharmacies, and all local health departments. You will want to check in advance to see if appointments may be necessary.
Lee, Scott and Wise County/Norton City Health Departments offer school-required immunizations free of charge by appointment during regular clinic hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Please be sure to bring a copy of your child’s vaccination record. If you don’t have it, you can request the record here. If you have health insurance, please also bring your insurance card. Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program which offers free vaccines to eligible children.
For more information, please contact your local health department: Lee County: 276-346- 2011, Scott County: 276-386-1312, or Wise County/Norton City: 276-328-8000.