August 5, 2025
Media Contacts: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh,virginia.gov &
Karen Stalzer, Karen.Stalzer@vdh.virginia.gov
Crater Health District Encourages Back-to-School Vaccinations
PETERSBURG, Va.- The Crater Health District (CHD)-Virginia Department of Health encourages families to make sure children are up to date on recommended vaccines for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. “Back-to-school” season is just around the corner, and CHD will offer all required vaccines for school entry at all health department immunization clinics each week.
Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, 7th grade, and 12th grade. Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses and unnecessary absences from school. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect children and others in our community against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“We invite everyone from CHD to ensure students have the required immunizations so they can start school on time and have a healthy year,” said Crater District Health Director, Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH. “Vaccines have been and remain our strongest tool in the fight to eradicate many childhood diseases. Our CHD staff looks forward to providing important health services needed for school entry. “
Please bring a copy of your child’s vaccination record. You can request a copy of the record here if you do not have one. 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 program which offers free vaccines to eligible children..
For more information on school immunizations in Virginia, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/. For updated information from CHD including current clinic schedules, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/crater/
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