Tag: chesterfield health district

The Best Thing You Can Do with Your Time is Give it to Someone Else

April 1, 2026
Media Contact: Kristy Fowler, Kristy.Fowler@vdh.virginia.gov

The Best Thing You Can Do with Your Time is Give it to Someone Else
Chesterfield Health District celebrates National Volunteer Month

CHESTERFIELD, Va. – In honor of National Volunteer Month, the Chesterfield Health District is highlighting three of its Medical Reserve Corps volunteers who are making a difference in public health.

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a force of dedicated volunteers who stand ready to support the community in the event of a public health emergency.  Each local MRC unit is comprised of teams of medical and public health professionals who, along with interested non-medical community members, volunteer their skills, expertise and time to support ongoing public health initiatives and health emergencies throughout Virginia.

“The best thing you can do with your time is give it to someone else,” Nancy Stelling, Medical Reserve Corps volunteer, said.

Stelling was a nurse anesthetist and is now retired, but she keeps her nursing credentials updated just so she can help at the Chesterfield Health District. She’s been volunteering more than 20 years with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), doing anything from contact tracing and immunizations during the pandemic, to assisting at rabies clinics and most recently signed on to apply fluoride varnish to babies’ teeth in the WIC program (Women, Infants and Children).

“It makes me feel good,” Stelling said. “I am making a difference to people outside the mainstream, providing health and resources to those in need.”

Stelling volunteered with Mercy Ships in Madagascar. She’s completed mission work in the Caribbean and Africa with World Pediatric. She is also a member of the Central Virginia Nurse Honor Guard.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her cat and dog, traveling most recently to the Galapagos Islands to go on a dive boat. She also aspires to ice climb. Her sense of adventure is admirable, having completed triathlons in her past.

Non-clinical volunteers are also needed.

Julianna Garcia has been volunteering with the health department for about eight months while she is a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University as a VCU Arts graphic design major. She’s designed flyers, edited photos and created content for social media. As a bilingual student, she is extraordinarily helpful in translating her collateral for Spanish-speaking populations.

“I’ve gotten hands-on experience to help me prepare for the workforce,” Garcia said. “I’ve learned about branding guidelines, social media policies, and understand what it would be like to work in public health.”

In her spare time, she works at Stella’s Grocery, walks her dog, and spends time with friends. She manages her schedule by working on days she is in class to reserve time on the weekends to recharge and catch up on coursework.

“Volunteering at VDH is a great opportunity for artists to practice and grow their skills,” Garcia said. “The people are kind, supportive and understanding to work with your schedule.”

Volunteers make an impact.

MRC volunteers at the Chesterfield Health District worked 1,687 hours last year for a total economic value of $87,394.

The Virginia Department of Health awarded Chesterfield MRCs the 2026 Excellence of Engagement Award at the annual Emergency Preparedness Summit this week for their integration in local health initiatives. MRC Volunteer coordinator Sarah Gagnon and MRC volunteer Lee Ann Chambliss presented their work in Epidemiology at the summit as a case example of how to use volunteers during outbreaks and helping with rabies case follow ups.

“Volunteers need to feel supported, they need a quality orientation, and they need to know they’re working to do good,” MRC volunteer Lee Ann Chambliss said at the event. “We experience camaraderie at the Virginia Department of Health.”

If you’re interested in volunteering at the Virginia Department of Health as a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer, complete an application online.

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Chesterfield Health District Encourages Preparedness for Disasters

September 5, 2025

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

Chesterfield Health District Encourages Preparedness for Disasters
National Preparedness Month tips for communication breakdown and floods

CHESTERFIELD, Va. – September is National Preparedness Month. Central Virginia and the Chesterfield Health District want to encourage everyone to take this time to plan for upcoming weather-related disasters. Tropical storms and hurricanes may still occur well into the year, so it’s wise to stay prepared and pay attention.

Overcoming communication barriers

“People depend on their cell phones for the convenience of saved phone numbers and addresses. It’s essential to prepare for inclement weather and power outages now by having all the numbers you need in one place in case you don’t have access to your phone. Additionally, I encourage everyone to print out a Family Emergency Communication Plan from Ready.gov and list your prescriptions with dosages for each family member,” said Fernando Tirado, Local Health Emergency Coordinator at the Chesterfield Health District. “Have a family meeting and discuss a plan for typical scenarios. Everyone should know where to meet, who to contact, and what to do.”

 

The Chesterfield Health District also wants people to know the difference between a weather watch and a warning. Tirado refers to the watch and warning theory as the “taco” analogy:

Weather Watch = Taco Ingredients Are Ready
Think of a weather watch like having all the ingredients for tacos laid out on the counter—tortillas, meat, cheese, salsa, etc. The conditions are favorable for tacos (or severe weather), but nothing has been assembled or cooked yet. It’s a heads-up to be prepared.

 

Weather Warning = Tacos Are Being Served
A weather warning means the tacos are fully assembled and ready to eat—just like severe weather is either happening or imminent. It’s time to act, not just prepare.

 

There are some great resources and technologies available on the internet and through smartphones. Start a Conversation, and the Children and Youth Preparedness Toolkit (Ready.gov) can assist in gathering information. Here is a listing of some of the local emergency alerts for weather-related threats in the area.

 

Tirado recommends everyone download three apps to their mobile device:

  • What Three Words: If you’re lost, you can use this app to look up the three words that represent your exact location. Then you give this information to emergency responders. This saves you from having to list lengthy longitude and latitude numbers that can get mixed up.
  • In Case of Emergency: Gives first responders access to your medical history on your mobile device. This is helpful if you are not responsive.
  • Zello: Group messaging platform that acts as a walkie-talkie. You can deliver messages to contacts you set up ahead of time. Avoid having to notify individuals of your status.

 

Finally, it’s a good idea to invest in a solar-powered charger so you can recharge your mobile device in a power outage.

 

Prepare for flooding

“Turn around, don’t drown” is a simple statement that is easy to remember. However, people may decide to travel through stormwater instead of going another way, which can lead to a false sense of security or confidence in their vehicle’s abilities. The road could be washed out, or the vehicle could stall out. Whether walking or driving in floodwater, it is hard to determine what dangers lie below water, whether it be potholes, debris, reptiles, or chemicals.

Tirado is all too familiar with the consequences of these storms. In 2012, he served in disaster recovery in Long Beach, New York. He was on the job for five days when Hurricane Sandy arrived, flooding the area. His office went for two weeks without water or electricity. Once he arrived at the office, there was a gas shortage. Then a snowstorm hit.

“The damage was extensive. Homes came off their foundations. People experienced mold issues. Basements flooded with insecticide, fertilizer, and automobile fluids. After two years, we were still working on recovery,” Tirado said.

Learn more about flood safety and how to prepare for emergencies by visiting Ready.gov.

 

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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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Colonial Heights Health Department consolidates with Chesterfield Health Department

July 18, 2025
Media Contact:
Kristy Fowler, PR Specialist, kristy.fowler@vdh.virginia.gov
 

Colonial Heights Health Department consolidates with Chesterfield Health Department 

CHESTERFIELD, Va. — The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors and the Colonial Heights City Council approved a consolidation of the Colonial Heights Health Department with the Chesterfield Health Department. All services and staff will continue at the Chesterfield location, located at 9501 Lucy Corr Circle in Chesterfield. The last day clients will be seen in Colonial Heights is August 15. The Chesterfield location is in the Smith-Wagner building that also houses the Department of Social Services on the Chesterfield County government complex. 

 The city notified the health department several years ago it would need to find a new location for the Colonial Heights Health Department. The search for alternative space was unsuccessful due to the limited availability of medical office space in the Colonial Heights area and funding challenges. Ultimately, the Virginia Department of Health reached the conclusion that the best decision for its clients and staff is to consolidate with the nearby Chesterfield Health Department.  

 “We’ve got a great partnership with Colonial Heights and Chesterfield leadership,” Chesterfield Health District Director Alexander Samuel, M.D., MPH, said. “They’ve been working hard with us to find a solution since March.” 

 Clients will have greater access to streamlined services at the Chesterfield Health Department, which is the headquarters for the Chesterfield Health District. Colonial Heights residents will continue to receive great care, just in a different location. Staff already have plans to continue supporting events in Colonial Heights.  

 “We are invested in Colonial Heights and look forward to continuing to support those in need,” Dr. Samuel said. 

 When Colonial Heights residents are at the Chesterfield Health Department, they’ll be close to the Department of Social Services in the same building.  

 Health department staff are communicating directly with clients to reschedule any appointments. To reschedule or schedule an appointment call 804-748-1691. Visit ChesterfieldVa.health to stay up to date with current health department news and ColonialHeightsVa.gov for Colonial Heights news. 

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Rabid Fox Case Confirmed in Chesterfield County, Virginia

May 22, 2025

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

Rabid Fox Case Confirmed in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Rabies Case Alert

CHESTERFIELD, Va. — A fox collected on May 19 near Old Happy Hill Road and Branders Bridge Road in Chester was confirmed positive for rabies. “Please contact the Chesterfield Health District at 804-914-2676 or Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1251 if you know of any possible human or animal contact with this fox,” Environmental Health Supervisor Ashley Jimison said.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is preventable in domestic animals through vaccinations but is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated. Exposure to rabies is considered:

  • Any bite, scratch, or other circumstance where saliva from a suspected rabid animal enters an open wound or the eyes, nose, or mouth. This includes dogs and cats that have bitten a person until the end of the 10-day observation period.

The Code of Virginia §3.2-6521 requires pet owners to maintain current rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats aged four months and older. All animal bites and rabies exposures (from wild and domestic animals) must be reported to the Chesterfield Health District.

To help prevent the spread of rabies and rabies exposures, everyone should:

  • AVOID contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.
  • REPORT sick or injured animals to Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1251.
  • VACCINATE all of your dogs and cats and keep their vaccinations current. Talk with your veterinarian about rabies vaccinations that are available for other domestic animals.
  • CALL your doctor and the local health department if you are concerned about rabies exposure, or your veterinarian and local animal control if you think your pet has been exposed to an animal with rabies.

 If you see a wild animal exhibiting neurologic symptoms (lack of fear of humans, circling or wobbly gait, inability to stand, etc.), please contact Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1251 or the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003 or email wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov. Do not attempt to handle or capture it.

For more information, visit vdh.virginia.gov/chesterfield/environmental-health/rabies/.

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Chesterfield Health District Provides Tips to Swim Safe, Stay Safe this Summer

May 19, 2025

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

Chesterfield Health District Provides Tips to Swim Safe, Stay Safe this Summer
2025 Healthy & Safe Swim Week is May 19 to 25

 Chesterfield, Va. – The summer swimming season kicks off with Healthy & Safe Swimming Week, May 19 to 25. Chesterfield Health District offers guidance to prevent illness, injuries and drowning, and to ensure a safe summer of swimming at the pool, in open waters or at the beach.

Environmental health inspectors have been visiting community pools to make sure the snack bars follow proper food safety measures, and the pools have the required daily water quality information posted according to Virginia Administrative Code.

Chesterfield Health District director Alexander Samuel, M.D. wants to get the word out about summer water safety.

“This is a time when people are celebrating graduations and heading off on vacations,” Dr. Samuel said. “No one wants to think about water-borne illnesses or the possibility of drowning, but a little preparation goes a long way.”

Drowning often occurs when a person is submerged in water for too long, preventing them from breathing. According to the CDC, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned between 2020 and 2024. Of those who drowned, 90 were ages 19 and younger. Knowing how to swim is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of drowning. If drowning has occurred and the victim is not breathing, bystander-initiated CPR is the most effective way to promote a positive outcome.

Parents or other adults should actively supervise children when they are playing or swimming in water. Swimmers should be aware of swimming hazards like rip currents and rough water. Observe any advisories and listen to lifeguards. Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. “Floaties,” arm bands or water wings are not safety devices.

Recreational waters can have germs that cause swimming-related illnesses. These illnesses can include diarrhea, skin rashes, pneumonia or flu-like illness, and irritation of the eyes or respiratory tract. To prevent illnesses when swimming, follow these tips:

  • Don’t swallow the water when swimming. A mouthful of water with germs can make you sick for 2-3 weeks.
  • Wash with soap and water before and after swimming. Wash your hands for 20 seconds before eating or preparing food.
  • Cover any open wounds or cuts. Don’t swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds.
  • Don’t swim or play in water if you or your child has been sick with diarrhea in the past two weeks. Diarrhea and swimming don’t mix!
  • Use swim diapers on infants and toddlers. Check swim diapers regularly. Take kids on hourly bathroom breaks.
  • Thoroughly dry ears after swimming to avoid swimmer’s ear.
  • Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water or if the water is cloudier than usual. Some harmful algal blooms can be dangerous.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information on pool safety and open water and beach safety. Remember: swim safe, stay safe!

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Chesterfield Health District Celebrates Virginia Volunteer Week

April 21, 2025
Media Contact: Kristy Fowler, PR Specialist, kristy.fowler@vdh.virginia.gov

Chesterfield Health District Celebrates Virginia Volunteer Week
Medical Reserve Corps volunteers make significant contributions to public health.

CHESTERFIELD, Va. — Emily Garofalo, of Midlothian, has volunteered with the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) at Chesterfield Health District since 2021. She had just retired from VCU Health in 2020 after 45 years as a nurse in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including working in pediatrics. Emily jumped back into patient care shortly after receiving her COVID-19 vaccine when she volunteered to help with COVID-19 testing and immunizations. Having worked in infectious disease units, she trusted her personal protective equipment and vaccine to keep her safe.

Years later, Garofalo found out she could help with the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program. She was excited to continue helping babies and children. Now, she takes and records their height, weight and tests hemoglobin (iron). She relies on her many years of experience to use distraction tactics and techniques that make it easier to get kids to cooperate when getting a shot.

“Kids just want to help and they’re naturally curious,” Garofalo said. “I just play with them and have fun, so they’re distracted from a quick finger or heel prick.”

She has taken her passion to the next level and now trains other volunteers to help in WIC. MRC Coordinator Sarah Gagnon, said, “I love it when we can match a volunteer’s passion with a program we offer. They can take it beyond levels we are able to accomplish with limited staffing.”

One afternoon, Garofalo recognized one of her WIC clients as a former patient in the pediatric ICU at VCU Health. The parents remembered how she cared for them in their time of need. It was a surreal moment to come full circle and be able to help the client get access to healthy foods and understand the nutrition needed for growth and development.

As a daughter of a Polish immigrant who was a prisoner of war for seven years, she has a strong desire to help people who have been displaced with disproportionate access to healthy lifestyles. The health department is the perfect place for her.

Volunteering is a great way to give back.

Pete Plourd, also of Midlothian, has volunteered since 2019. He earned a silver pin for 500 hours last fall and now has more than 800 hours. Plourd grew up on a farm in northern Maine, retired from the Army after 20 years in computers, 19 years as a government contractor in computers, 12 years as a real estate broker and maintained yards on the side.

He first found out about the MRC program while volunteering with the Community Emergency Response Team in Chesterfield. Despite having no medical background, he volunteered countless hours in the COVID vaccine clinics, helping with call centers, setup, registration and cleanup. Now he works in the women’s health clinic, bringing patients from the waiting room to the exam room, checks their weight and height, and prepares the room for the provider.

“The nurses absolutely love him!” Gagnon said. “He’s been a reliable help over the years and makes life easier for everyone.”

“I love helping people and giving back to my community,” Plourd said. He also volunteers at his church and golf club. At 87, he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

The need for bilingual volunteers is great.

Angelica Galindo, of Chesterfield, volunteers in the preventive and community health clinic, walking patients from the waiting area to the exam room. Originally from Mexico, Galindo speaks the same language as most of the patients, which makes them feel more at ease. She’s only volunteered a couple of months but she’s already studying to earn a certificate in translation.

“Since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to work in health care,” Galindo said. “Now I am putting my love of meeting people and helping them to good use.

When she’s not working, Galindo takes people to the hospital and court to translate and be supportive.

“She is blazing a trail for us to streamline our volunteer onboarding process for those whose primary language is not English,” Gagnon said. “She’s doing a great job helping the patients and nurses here.”

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Community Health Workers Make an Impact for Public Health

April 11, 2025
Media Contact: Kristy Fowler, Kristy.Fowler@vdh.virginia.gov

Community Health Workers Make an Impact for Public Health
Chesterfield Health District celebrates National Public Health Week

CHESTERFIELD, Va.– As the Chesterfield Health Department reflects on National Public Health Week, it celebrates the incredible work of its staff, particularly the Community Health Workers (CHWs). This year, the department highlights two staff members: Elena Cupeles and Martha Garcia.

Pregnancy can be stressful, especially with a high-risk diagnosis like Down syndrome. One local mother, distraught after receiving these test results while her husband was overseas, turned to the Chesterfield Health Department for support. CHWs Cupeles and Garcia stepped in, providing emotional guidance and assistance in accessing local resources. They even delivered baby supplies to her home and maintained their support as she navigated her challenges.

Despite hope that the test results were incorrect, the diagnosis was confirmed after the birth. The baby did in fact have Down syndrome. “We helped her accept the diagnosis no matter what,” Garcia said. The mother brought her newborn to introduce her to Cupeles and Garcia, leading to a joyful reunion. The baby is healthy, and the family continues to receive support through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

Cupeles has also maintained a close relationship with another mother she supported three years ago. Mom was so fond of Cupeles that she invited her to be present at the child’s birth. As a surprise, the mother later revealed that she had named her baby after Cupeles.

“It’s an honor I don’t take lightly,” Cupeles said, reflecting on the strong bonds CHWs create with families in need.

The Population Health department within the Chesterfield Health District is where people can request help through the CHW program. For more information about this unique program, visit ChesterfieldVa.health and click on Community Needs.

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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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Pass the Stuffing, Not the Flu This Thanksgiving

November 20, 2024
Media Contact: Kristy Fowler, 804-461-8093, kristy.fowler@vdh.virginia.gov

Pass the Stuffing, Not the Flu This Thanksgiving
Health Officials Encourage Vaccinating Against Respiratory Illnesses
Before Gathering with Family and Friends

Chesterfield, Va. – Turkey, stuffing, and family gatherings are on the horizon – and so are respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The Chesterfield Health District reminds residents that getting vaccinated now could help keep you and your loved ones healthy throughout the holiday season.

“Staying up to date on your vaccinations is one of the best ways to prevent severe respiratory illness,” says Alexander Samuel, M.D. “If you haven’t already been vaccinated against respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV this season, do it as soon as possible ahead of the holidays.”

Health officials recommend everyone 6 months or older get vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu. If you haven’t gotten the RSV vaccine and are 60-74 years old with a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider about whether the RSV vaccine is the right choice for you. Pregnant women and parents of newborns should also talk with their provider about the benefits of the RSV vaccine.

Other prevention steps people can take to stay healthy include:

  • Staying home when sick
  • Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
  • Covering coughs and sneezes

“Staying home when you are sick is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect the ones you love from getting sick,” Dr. Samuel said. “Simple prevention steps like washing your hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes can also go a long way.”

For more information about how to stay healthy during respiratory illness season and all year round, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.