Tag: back to school vaccination clinic

BRHD to Host Back-to-School Vaccine Clinic on April 25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BRHD to Host Back-to-School Vaccine Clinic on April 25
Charlottesville, VA — The Virginia Department of Health’s Blue Ridge Health District (BRHD) will host a back-to-school vaccine clinic on Saturday, April 25, from 8–11 a.m. at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department, located at 1138 Rose Hill Drive (Door #1).
The clinic will offer Tdap, Meningococcal (MCV), and HPV vaccines for rising 6th through 12th grade students. These vaccines help protect adolescents against serious illnesses and are required for school attendance in Virginia.
Appointments are encouraged and can be made by calling 434-972-6269. Walk-ins are also welcome. Parents and guardians are asked to bring their child’s insurance or Medicaid card if available; however, uninsured children are welcome and will be served. All minors must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
For more information on vaccines and school health requirements, please visit the Virginia Department of Health website.

Crater Health District Encourages Back-to-School Vaccinations

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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Beat the Back-To-School Rush: Get Your Child Immunized ASAP!

July 30, 2025

Media Contact: Brian C. Little, Sr., Central Virginia Region PIO/brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov

Beat the Back-To-School Rush: Get Your Child Immunized ASAP!
Pittsylvania Danville Health Department Holding Vaccination Clinics

DANVILLE, 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.

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.

“Vaccinations help fight against some preventable diseases. I encourage parents to attend one of our clinics and take advantage of this opportunity to prepare their child for school. Together, we can help improve our children’s health” said Pittsylvania/Danville Health District Director Dr. Scott Spillmann.

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 some cases in Virginia.

“We must encourage parents and guardians to help public health lessen the burden increasing infectious disease by taking necessary precautions,” said Dr. Spillmann.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations.  Vaccines are available through private physicians, pharmacies, and all local health departments. You will want to check in advance to see if appointments may be necessary.

The Pittsylvania/Danville Health District will offer school-required immunizations free of charge during its normal vaccination clinics as listed below. Call to make an appointment.

Walk-in availability for rising 7th and 12th graders:  

Tuesday, August 5 Danville 1-6pm

Wednesday, August 6 Chatham 1-6pm

Wednesday, August 6 Danville 8:30-11:30am & 1:30-4pm

Friday, August 8 Chatham 8:30-11:30am & 1:30-4pm

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.   Supplies may be limited so we encourage parents to respond quickly in order to get their child vaccinated while supplies last.

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.

VDH encourages parents to make an appointment as soon as possible to save the stress of trying to find one last minute. You can Locate A VVFC  Provider by simply entering your zip code on the VDH website.

 

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Chesterfield Health Department Hosting School Immunization Clinics

July 15, 2025 

Media Contact: Kristy Fowler
Kristy.Fowler@vdh.virginia.gov 

 Chesterfield Health Department Hosting School Immunization Clinics
Make sure your student is ready to go back to school in the fall. 

 CHESTERFIELD, Va.– The Chesterfield Health District is blocking off their clinic schedules for parents/ guardians to bring their children in for state-required immunizations. They will host two clinics for Chesterfield, Colonial Heights and Powhatan students, rising 7th and 12th graders, ages 11 and older. These are at 9501 Lucy Corr Circle in Chesterfield, Thursday, July 17, and Friday, July 25, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.  

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 safe and effective and are your child’s best defense against infectious disease. 

Families should make sure their child’s immunizations are up to date now to avoid delays when school starts in August.   

“Primary care appointments in central Virginia are difficult to get,” Nurse Manager LaWanda Dunn said. “We’re offering these immunizations to students now to make sure everyone can start school on time.”   

What immunizations are provided? 

  1. 7th grade: 
  1. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) 
  1. Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) 
  1. Human papillomavirus (HPV) 
  • 12th grade: 
  1. Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) 

 

Additional Information 

  • Bring your child’s immunization record and insurance card, if applicable. 
  • There is no expense to receive immunization; if applicable, insurance is billed for administration. 
  • All children under 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years or older. 
  • When your child has received these immunizations, provide the records to your school nurse.  
  • Registration is required: 

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Schedule Your Child’s Essential Immunizations Today!

March 26, 2025

Media Contact: Kristy Fowler, PR Specialist, kristy.fowler@vdh.virginia.gov

Schedule Your Child’s Essential Immunizations Today!
Ensure Their Health for the Upcoming School Year

CHESTERFIELD, Va – Having your child vaccinated could mean safer, healthier communities. Families with 4, 11, and 16-year-old students should book an appointment for their child’s immunizations to avoid delays when school starts in August.

One of Virginia’s required immunizations is to protect people against MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). As of February 27, 2025, 164 measles cases had been reported this year in other states, 95 percent of which were unvaccinated. As of March 20, 2025, three measles cases have been reported in Maryland residents with potential exposures in Virginia.

Another required immunization is for meningitis. Virginia just concluded a meningitis outbreak on February 25, 2025. New cases continue to emerge but remain below outbreak levels. LaWanda Dunn, RN, oversees nursing at the Virginia Department of Health’s Chesterfield Health District and works closely with school nursing leadership to ensure students have the required immunizations. The health district includes Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, and Powhatan. “We encourage all parents to have a conversation with a trusted medical provider and decide what is best for their children for school readiness.” Dunn said.

If someone does not have a trusted provider or health insurance, VDH has a list of providers who accept Medicaid or provide services for the uninsured.

What immunizations are state required?

The Commonwealth of Virginia requires that all children be immunized against certain diseases for admission to a public school (ref. Code of Virginia 22.1-271.2). Students who fail to comply with the required immunizations shall be excluded from school until they provide proof of an immunization schedule or waiver.

  • Preschoolers will need these immunizations before starting kindergarten:
    • DTap
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
    • Hep B
    • Hep A
    • Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
    • Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR)
    • Polio
  • 6th-grade students will need these immunizations before starting 7th grade:
    • Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)
    • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • 11th-grade students will need this immunization before starting 12th grade:
    • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)

Where are immunizations available?

  • Contact your healthcare professional to schedule an appointment for immunizations.
  • Urgent care clinics: check to make sure they have all required immunizations.
  • Pharmacies: check to see if a prescription is required.
  • Chesterfield County Health District offers immunizations by appointment only for children ages 18 and younger. To schedule an appointment, call Chesterfield at 804-748-1750, Colonial Heights at 804-520-9380, or Powhatan at 804-598-5680.
  • Bring your child’s immunization record and insurance card if applicable.
  • When your child has received these immunizations, provide the records to your school nurse. For more information, visit vdh.virginia.gov/chesterfield.

While you’re at your healthcare provider, make sure your kids are screened for chronic conditions and obtain any sports physicals they may need. Don’t forget that students who intend on playing sports next school year and have registered with the Virginia High School League need a sports physical form filled out by their healthcare provider after May 1 of this year. Visit vhsl.org and click on Parents: VHSL Physical Form.

If your child is diagnosed with asthma, you should work with your provider to develop an asthma action plan and give a copy to the school nurse to keep on file.

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RHHD & RPS Collaborate to Provide In-School Immunization Clinics

February 4, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov  

RHHD & RPS Collaborate to Provide In-School Immunization Clinics 

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) and Richmond Public Schools (RPS) are partnering to offer in-school immunization clinics in February and March. RPS families with 6th and 11th graders are encouraged to sign the RPS-provided consent form and schedule an appointment so that their student can receive the required immunizations ahead of the traditional Back-to-School season. These clinics will offer the tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis (Tdap) vaccine and the meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine as well as provide information about where to get the vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). Please visit rvaschools.net/schools-office/health-services for more information. 

“Our school-based immunization clinics are essential to our commitment to student wellness at Richmond Public Schools,” said Chief Wellness Officer Renesha Parks. “In partnership with Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, we’re able to lower barriers to healthcare and minimize disruptions to the school day while offering families and students a convenient way to meet vaccine requirements.”  

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Richmond Public Schools, meeting students where they are and providing required school vaccinations,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Nurse Supervisor Virginia Slattum. “This partnership maximizes our ability to reach those who need the required vaccines while reducing disruptions to a child’s education.” 

Current 6th and 11th grade RPS students are invited to attend on-site immunization clinics. These events are for RPS students only. Families should reach out to their school nurse to schedule an appointment.  

Franklin Military Academy
Wednesday, Feb. 5
9:30 to 11:00 a.m. 

Richmond Community High
Wednesday, Feb. 5
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Open High School
Wednesday, Feb. 5
1:30 to 3:00 p.m. 

Dogwood Middle School
Thursday, Feb. 6
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

John Marshall High School
Wednesday, Feb. 12
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Henderson Middle School
Thursday, Feb. 13
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

 River City Middle School
Thursday, Feb. 20
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Thomas Jefferson High School
Wednesday, Feb. 26
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Albert Hill Middle School
Thursday, Feb. 27
9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Lucille Brown Middle
Wednesday, March 5
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Richmond High School for The Arts
Thursday, March 6
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Richmond Success Academy
Wednesday, March 12
9:00 to 10:00 am. 

 MLK Middle School
Wednesday, March 12
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Boushall Middle School
Wednesday, March 19
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Huguenot High School
Thursday, March 20
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Armstrong High School
Wednesday, March 26
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

The following immunizations for 6th graders will be provided at these events:  

  • Tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis (Tdap) vaccine 
    A booster dose is required starting at age 11 and before 7th–grade entry. 
  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine  

The first dose shall be administered starting at age 11 and before 7th–grade entry. 

The following immunizations for 11th graders will be provided at these events: 

  • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine  

A dose is required starting at age 16 and before 12th-grade entry. 

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is also required for school but will not be provided at these events. Students can receive this vaccination from their pediatrician, a local pharmacy, or an RHHD clinic or community partner. 

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine 

Two doses of HPV vaccine are required. The first dose shall be administered starting at age 11 and before 7th-grade entry. 

Immunization Opportunities for Families Whose Children Cannot Attend an In-School Event 

Families without health insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can visit  rhhd.gov/connect-pc to find pediatric care providers. Families can schedule appointments at an RHHD clinic by calling 804-205-3501. Families can find more information at rhhd.gov/childhoodvax.  

Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer free immunizations to children (younger than 19 years of age) who are uninsured or underinsured; Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid-enrolled; and/or American Indian or Alaska Native. Families can search for a VVFC provider near them using rhhd.gov/vfc.  

Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their child’s pediatrician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners. 

Clinic for State-Required Immunizations for Chesterfield County School Students

June 27, 2024
Media Contact: Kristy Fowler, PR Specialist, kristy.fowler@vdh.virginia.gov

Clinic for State-Required Immunizations for Chesterfield County School Students

CHESTERFIELD, Va. — The Chesterfield Health District is easing the burden on parents to get their children’s state-required immunizations by hosting three clinics for Chesterfield County Public School 7th and 12th grade students. Two clinics are scheduled for L.C. Bird High School, at 10301 Courthouse Road in Chesterfield, Monday, July 1 and Thursday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The third clinic is scheduled for Matoaca High School, at 17700 Longhouse Lane in Chesterfield, Thursday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Making sure students have required immunizations means safer, healthier communities. Families should make sure their child’s immunizations are up to date now to avoid delays when school starts in August.

“Primary care appointments in central Virginia are booking months out,” Chesterfield Health District Nurse Manager LaWanda Dunn said. “We’re offering these immunizations to Chesterfield students now for those in our most vulnerable communities to make sure everyone can start school on time.”

What immunizations are provided?

  • 7th grade:
    • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
    • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • 12th grade:
    • Meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY)

 Additional Information

  • Bring your child’s immunization record and insurance card, if applicable.
  • There is no expense to receive immunization; insurance is billed for administration.
  • Children enrolled in summer school at L.C. Bird and Matoaca can get the immunization during class, but they will need to bring a signed consent form (Englishand Español) with them on the day of the clinic. All other children under 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years or older.
  • When your child has received these immunizations, provide the records to your school nurse.
  • For more information, visit virginia.gov/chesterfield.

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Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Participating in Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic

4/18/2024

Media Contact: Sandra Currie, Program Administrator, Sandra.Currie@vdh.virginia.gov, 434-250-2010

Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Participating in Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic

DANVILLE, Va.– The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will be participating in a Back-to-School Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, April 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. at O.T. Bonner Middle School, 300 Apollo Ave., Danville. Rising 7th and 12th graders attending Danville City Public Schools are encouraged to attend.

The types of vaccines available at the clinic are human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal ACWY, and tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap). The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public, and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians.

Vaccinations are available at no cost to the patient as it will be billed to the insurance company or offset by eligibility. Those receiving vaccinations at the clinic must be accompanied by a parents or guardian.  Onsite registration will be available on the day of the event and walk-ins are welcome.

“This vaccine clinic is a convenient way for children and parents to get an early start on preparations for the next school year,” said Dr. Scott Spillmann, health director. “It is our hope that parents or guardians will take advantage of this opportunity as it will save them from taking time away from their summer plans. In addition, it will help to prevent the last-minute push to get the vaccines prior to the beginning of the new school year and will ensure students are able to start school on time.”

School required vaccines are also available at your local health department. Call your local health department for more information, and see when your child is due for their next vaccine here:

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/VDH-Vaccine-Schedule.pdf