Tag: COVID

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Provides Tips for Safe, Healthy Holiday Travel

December 23, 2025
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Provides Tips for Safe, Healthy Holiday Travel
Plan Ahead for a Healthy and Safe Holiday

WARRENTON, Va. – As you and your family prepare to travel during the holiday season, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District reminds you to take important steps now to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Holiday travel and festive gatherings can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases and encountering unexpected emergencies.

“The holidays are a time for joy and togetherness, let’s keep it that way by practicing safe food handling,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “Simple steps like proper handwashing, cooking foods to the right temperature, and prompt refrigeration can prevent illness and keep everyone healthy.”

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District shares these tips to healthy and safe holiday travel:

  • Check Immunization Status: To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal. Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your recommended vaccines. Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people. Bring a copy of your official immunization records with you when you travel.
  • Prevent Seasonal Illnesses: Protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV by doing three little things: washing your hands, covering your cough and getting vaccinated. Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.
  • Monitor Travel Advisories: Check current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of State travel advisories before departure.
  • Pack Smart: Pack enough prescription medications for the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original containers and carry them in your hand luggage. Pack a travel health kit.
  • Stay Home if Sick: Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to cover expenses if you must change your plans due to illness.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and festive holiday season. For more travel tips, contact The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.

# # #

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Provide Tips for Safe, Healthy Holiday Travel

December 19, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Provide Tips for Safe, Healthy Holiday Travel
Plan Ahead for a Healthy and Safe Holiday

RICHMOND, Va. – As you and your family prepare to travel during the holiday season, Richmond and Henrico Health District (RHHD) remind you to take important steps now to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Holiday travel and festive gatherings can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases and encountering unexpected emergencies.

“Gathering with friends and family is one of the highlights of the holiday season,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “When we take steps like checking our immunization status, preventing seasonal illness, and making smart travel decisions, we protect our health and the health of our loved ones. Have a safe and memorable holiday, whether you are traveling or staying close to home.”

RHHD shares these tips to healthy and safe holiday travel:

  • Check Immunization Status: To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal. Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your recommended vaccines. Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people.
  • Prevent Seasonal Illnesses: Protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV by doing three little things: washing your hands, covering your cough and getting vaccinated. Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.
  • Monitor Travel Advisories: Check current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of State travel advisories before departure.
  • Pack Smart: Pack enough prescription medications for the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original containers and carry them in your hand luggage. Pack a travel health kit.
  • Stay Home if Sick: Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to cover expenses if you must change your plans due to illness.

RHHD wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and festive holiday season. Visit rhhd.gov for more travel tips and health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

# # #

VDH in the News, June 27, 2025

Posted on by brianlittle

VDH in the News – June 27, 2025

Here are some of the items in today’s news scan. Stories include drowning, water safety, heat-related illness, measles, restaurant inspection, food safety, COVID, PFAS, fluoride, harmful algal bloom, and more. Some of the articles may contain specific references to VDH, while others describe issues that may be of interest or concern to VDH. To view a complete article, click the underlined link. If you have any questions or comments, let me know.

 

Six children under age of 5 drowned in Virginia pools in just one month: VDH
WRIC ABC 8
June 26, 2025
By Clare Gehlich

Virginia has seen a noticeable rise in drownings in children under 5 years old in swimming pools, with six children dying since Memorial Day, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). … “We join with the families and communities grieving the loss of these young lives,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “These numbers are heartbreaking. Swimming and playing in pools can be fun, particularly on blistering hot days, but pools can also be dangerous. Families should take caution in and around pools. Children in pools should be supervised at all times, and pools should be gated and secured to prevent access when supervision is not available. Please consider enrolling children in swimming lessons. We want to do everything we can to prevent any more lives lost.”

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Sheriff’s office investigating drowning at Swift Run Campground

6 children under 5 drown in Virginia pools since Memorial Day, highest number in years

Virginia faces alarming rise in drowning fatalities among children under five

 

Record heat fuels surge in heat-related illnesses across Virginia
WRIC ABC 8
June 26, 2025
By Sahara Sriraman

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting an alarming rise in heat-related emergency room visits as scorching temperatures grip the Commonwealth, and experts warn the worst may be yet to come. … “Before you get thirsty, you need to drink a lot of water,” said Meredith Davis, an epidemiologist with VDH. “Try not to do the caffeinated beverages so much and really be checking on each other — the people you work with, especially if you work outdoors.”

 

Note: There was an additional item on this topic in today’s news.
VDH: Heat-related illnesses surge across Virginia

Virginia reports record heat-related illnesses as temperatures soar across the Commonwealth

Park expert shares tips on avoiding heat illnesses while outside on a hike

 

Another possible measles exposure investigated in Northern Virginia
WTOP
June 26, 2025
By Will Vitka

Another potential measles exposure is being investigated in Northern Virginia after someone with a confirmed case of the virus traveled through Dulles International Airport last week. According to the Virginia Department of Health, the person went through Dulles’ Concourse A and the baggage area between 7:45 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on June 19. … “If you were at these locations at the same time as this case, it’s important to make sure that you’re protected against measles, and so that would mean verifying your vaccination history, or that you have other proof of measles immunity,” Meredith Robinson, Vaccine Preventable Disease Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Health told WTOP’s Linh Bui.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Alexandria Health Department warns of another potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia

VDH investigates another measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Latest VA Measles Exposure Confirmed At Dulles Airport

Health department investigates another measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Virginia health officials warn of potential measles exposure at Washington Dulles Airport

Another potential measles exposure at Dulles

Dulles Airport Measles Case Prompts Public Health Warning In Virginia

Heatwave alert as Virginia, other states, experience extreme temperatures

Measles cases confirmed in Washington, Virginia

 

Virginia seeing record-breaking number of heat-related illness ER visits
WAVY 10
June 26, 2025

Heat-related illnesses are sprouting up across the Commonwealth, causing an alarming amount of people to seek medical attention as stifling temperatures persists. In fact, within the last decade, these types of visits have occurred more than any other June. That’s according to the Virginia Department of Health, which has been tracking these visits since 2015. … 10 On Your Side spoke with Dr. Nancy Welch, Chesapeake Health Department health director, who said there has been about a 60% increase in heat-related visits to the emergency room statewide. “What people need to understand is you don’t want to wait until you experience symptoms,” she said. “There are preventive things you can do, and it’s not just drinking water. The key is having adequate fluids, along with electrolytes. It balances and keeps that flow of the liquid in the tissue and in the blood system — and I say fluids, not just water. And that’s why they need the electrolytes plus the water.

 

Why it’s more difficult to open a restaurant in Richmond than the counties
Richmond Times Dispatch
June 26, 2025
By Meredith Lindemon

Time was running out. The money was pretty much gone. Carlos Ordaz-Nuñez was watching his dream go up in smoke because of a plate glass window. … When asked specifically about communications, Cindy McKelvy, senior environmental health manager for Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, said, “I can’t really speak to how operators interact with city agencies because we are separate from the city. We do, as the Health Department, have good working relationships with our city partners and we can communicate pretty quickly and easily between us and them if we have an issue, or if someone needs help. Then we can point them in the direction of where they need to go as far as the city agencies that need to be involved.”

 

VDH: How to cook and store food properly to avoid getting sick
WHSV 3
June 26, 2025
By Olivia Whitehouse

With students on summer break and the Fourth of July coming up, more families will be holding cookouts. … Kelsey Holloman, foodborne disease epidemiology program manager with the Virginia Department of Health, said that while it is not always possible to determine if food is contaminated, it is essential to use a food thermometer. Holloman said poultry products should be cooked to 165 degrees, while egg products and ground meat should be cooked to 160 degrees. “Fish, pork, beef and other red meat should be cooked to 145 degrees,” Holloman said.

 

COVID variant shown to give ‘severe sore throat’; local experts weigh in
WHSV 3
June 26, 2025
By Amir Massenburg

There’s a new COVID variant being shown to give a severe sore throat. … The Virginia Department of Health says there haven’t been any cases of it reported here in the Commonwealth. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not here. … “I think at this point, there’s so many variants and they’re getting so muddled that it’s getting harder and harder to tell. But I do know that it is affecting other countries a little bit harder right now. It’s kind of started there and it looks like it’s moving this way,” said Lisa Sollot, Respiratory Disease Program Coordinator for the Division of Surveillance and Investigation with the Virginia Department of Health.

 

‘Forever chemicals’ mar pristine reputation of Virginia’s Chickahominy River
Bay Journal
June 26, 2025
By Whitney Pipkin

The Chickahominy River in Virginia is known for its physical beauty, with bald cypress trees and lily pads decorating the water that meanders through largely undeveloped acres of forests and wetlands. But the river’s appearance tells only part of the story. In May, the Virginia Department of Health issued its first fish consumption advisory for the presence of harmful chemicals in the Chickahominy River, which is a James River tributary, and the White Oak Swamp where its waters originate.

 

Luray discontinues additional fluoride in drinking water system
Rocktown Now
June 26, 2025
By Jacquelynn Dobrin

Luray town staff and town council have elected to discontinue the addition of fluoride to its drinking water. In a release, town officials said they will stop adding fluoride in early September due to the Virginia Department of Health requirement of a 90-day notice.

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Luray will stop adding fluoride to drinking water

 

Fairfax County Park Authority Updates Residents on Burke Lake
Northern Virginia Magazine
June 26, 2025
By Debbie Williams

Fairfax County Park Authority has issued an update on the status of Burke Lake. … The Virginia Department of Health says most algae are not harmful. However, the agency cautions that “some types of algae in Virginia can be dangerous. Algae species in fresh and salt water may multiply rapidly when environmental conditions are favorable for their development. The great number of algal cells in the water results in what is called an algal bloom.”

 

Crater Health District Conducts Long COVID Study

February 18, 2025
Media Contact: Katrina Saphrey, Katrina.Saphrey@vdh.virginia.gov
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health District Conducts Long COVID Study

PETERSBURG, Va.- Beginning February 18, 2025, the Crater Health District (CHD) will launch a study on Long COVID to determine its prevalence among residents and understand its impact on daily life. Long COVID is a chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus that causes COVID-19, and is present for at least 3 months. The goal of the study is to evaluate the impact of Long COVID on daily activities and identify any unmet resource needs of those affected in the community.

“Understanding the full impact of Long COVID is crucial for the well-being of our community. This study will not only help us gauge how many people are affected, but also shed light on the everyday challenges our community faces. By gathering this information, we can ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed and that individuals living with Long COVID receive the care and support they deserve,” said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.

Crater Health District Containment Staff will be reaching out to individuals in the cities of Emporia, Hopewell, and Petersburg, as well as the counties of Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Sussex, and Surry who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Individuals who solely tested positive via At-Home COVID-19 tests are not eligible to participate.

Staff will follow up with individuals who reported a COVID-19 diagnosis through a telephone survey. Calls will be made Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and will continue until all individuals who tested positive within the CHD have been contacted or funding is no longer available. After obtaining verbal consent, an interviewer will ask participants to complete a questionnaire. Interviews can take up to an hour. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential and used solely for the purpose of this survey and responses will be stored securely in accordance with applicable privacy regulations.

“Our priority is to ensure that every member of our community receives the care they need. Through careful coordination of resources, we are committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by our residents, particularly those who are underserved,” said Jazmine Black, COVID-19 Containment Operations Manager.

“By connecting people with the right care at the right time, we are working to reduce health inequities and improve the overall quality of life in the Crater Health District.”

If you are in need of resources, please reach out at COVID-19 Care Resources or Melissa Diggs-Perez at Melissa.Diggs@vdh.virginia.gov. For more information, call 804-863-1652 or visit Crater Health District

###

Norfolk Department of Public Health Offers COVID, Flu Vaccination Clinics

November 20, 2024  
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm, KathyLamm@vdh.virginia.gov,  757-799-8699

Norfolk Department of Public Health Offers COVID, Flu Vaccination Clinics
No Appointment Clinic this Saturday, Weekly Thursday Clinics

NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Public Health is pleased to announce the launch of its weekly COVID and Flu Clinic, providing essential vaccination services to the community every Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. until February 27, 2025 (excluding the third Thursday of the month).

In addition to our weekly clinics, the Norfolk Department of Public Health will be hosting a Walk-In Vaccination Clinic Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event will have COVID, Flu, and RSV vaccinations. Please remember that the RSV vaccine will be available exclusively for adults at this event, while the flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to both children and adults.

Both the Saturday and the weekly Thursday clinics are located at 830 Southampton Ave. in Norfolk, and welcomes individuals of all ages. No appointment is necessary at either clinic, making it convenient for everyone to receive their vaccinations. Attendees are encouraged to bring their ID and insurance card. For those who are uninsured, a fee of $20.33 may be charged to cover the administration cost.

“Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones against COVID-19 and the flu,” said Norfolk Department of Public Health Director Susan Girois, M.D. “We invite everyone in the community to take advantage of this convenient service and help us keep Norfolk healthy.”

Check out this handy chart to determine which respiratory vaccinations are best for you.

For more information, please contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at (757) 683-2735 or visit our website at NorfolkPublicHealth.com.

# # #

Virginia Department of Health Announces Availability of New 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 15, 2023
Media Contact:  Logan Anderson, PIO, logan.anderson@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Announces Availability of New 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccine

RICHMOND, Va. — On September 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the vaccine recommendations of its independent panel of advisors, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible to receive a 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, made by Pfizer and Moderna. In the coming days, the vaccine will start to be available at pharmacies and physicians’ offices in addition to federally qualified health centers, free clinics, and local health department offices. Virginians should speak with their healthcare providers about receiving the vaccine.

Persons aged 65 years and older and people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization and death associated with COVID-19. Therefore, it is especially important for older adults to consider this vaccine and discuss it with their healthcare provider. The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines are designed to target the Omicron variant XBB.1.5. Studies have shown that these vaccines can also protect against severe outcomes from other Omicron variants, such as BA.2.86 and EG.5.

Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines will now be available on the commercial market. According to CDC, most Americans will still get a COVID-19 vaccine with no out-of-pocket cost. People with insurance will likely pay nothing out of pocket for the vaccine. Those who are uninsured or underinsured can access free COVID-19 vaccines through two federal programs, the Bridge Access Program for adults and the Vaccines for Children program. These vaccines will be available to eligible persons at local health departments and participating pharmacies and healthcare providers. To find vaccine locations participating in the Bridge Access Program, visit Vaccines.gov. To find a Vaccine for Children program provider, visit vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/vvfc.

VDH remains dedicated to preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19, particularly for people at higher risk, and will continue working to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in the state. Vaccination is one of many strategies to prevent COVID-19. Other important steps in combatting the virus are frequent handwashing, good respiratory hygiene that includes coughing and sneezing into your elbow, getting tested if you’re feeling sick, staying home if you are sick, and consulting with your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for treatment. The VDH COVID-19 dashboards allow Virginians to stay abreast of the current state of COVID-19 trends in their community; the dashboards are available on the VDH website.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, check the Vaccinate Virginia website or contact the VDH Call Center. Call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.

# # #

 Crater Health District Deactivates COVID-19 Call Center

May 22, 2023
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

 Crater Health District Deactivates COVID-19 Call Center

PETERSBURG, Va. — The Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 expired on May 11. Crater Health District (VDH) is deactivating the COVID-19 call center effective May 26, 2023. The call center provided vital information to community members throughout the pandemic.

Community members may still find information through the Virginia COVID-19 Information Center by calling 1-877-VAX-IN-VA • 1-877-829-4682 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

For more information on COVID-19 in Virginia, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus. To access your COVID—19 vaccine record, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Record Request Portal.

###

VIRGINIA BEACH HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO HOST FREE COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11

January 6, 2023
Media Contact: Bob Engle, robert.engle@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Beach Health Department to Host Free COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Wednesday, January 11

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health will host a FREE COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Wednesday, January 11, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church, 5549 Indian River Road.

Staying healthy helps families enjoy things like events or travel. Being fully vaccinated and boosted remains our best defense to reduce the spread and diminish serious illness and hospitalization. Visit vaccines.gov to make an appointment today.

On October 12, 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent to authorize their use as a single booster dose in younger age groups. On October 12, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a single dose of the new COVID-19 bivalent booster doses at least two months following a completed primary series or monovalent booster vaccination according to the new FDA EUA authorizations for these products.

  • The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent, is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals aged 5 years and older.
  • The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent, is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals aged 6 years and older.
  • The bivalent vaccines, also known as “updated boosters,” contain messenger RNA (mRNA) components of the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines areno longer authorized as booster doses for individuals aged 5 years and older. This means that monovalent booster doses can no longer be given as boosters to people aged 5 years and older.

Those who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 Bivalent vaccine.

A consultation with your healthcare provider is recommended to decide whether or not to receive a second booster.

Ages 5-17 will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Appointments for Wednesday are encouraged; however, walk-ins will be accepted. Visit the links below to schedule your appointment time.

Wednesday, January 11, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

New Light Full Gospel Baptist Church, 5549 Indian River Road

Appointments:

Pfizer (Bivalent Booster 12+)

Moderna (Bivalent Booster 6+)

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Vaccines for COVID-19” page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.

###

Virginia Beach Health Department to Host Free COVID-19 & Flu Vaccination Clinic Dec. 17

December 14, 2022
Media Contact: Bob Engle, robert.engle@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Beach Health Department to Host Free COVID-19 & Flu Vaccination Clinic Dec. 17

VIRGIIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health will host a FREE COVID-19 & FLU vaccination clinic on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kingdom Cathedral, 3820 Stoneshore Road.

Staying healthy helps families enjoy things like events or travel. Being fully vaccinated and boosted remains our best defense to reduce the spread and diminish serious illness and hospitalization. Visit vaccines.gov to make an appointment today.

On Oct. 12, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Bivalent and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Bivalent to authorize their use as a single booster dose in younger age groups. On Oct. 12, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a single dose of the new COVID-19 bivalent booster doses at least two months following a completed primary series or monovalent booster vaccination according to the new FDA EUA authorizations for these products.

  • The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Bivalent is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals aged 5 years and older.
  • The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Bivalent is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals aged 6 years and older.
  • The bivalent vaccines, also known as “updated boosters,” contain messenger RNA (mRNA) components of the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized as booster doses for individuals aged 5 years and older. This means that monovalent booster doses can no longer be given as boosters to people aged 5 years and older.

Those who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 Bivalent vaccine.

A consultation with your healthcare provider is recommended to decide whether or not to receive a second booster.

People ages 5-17 will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Appointments for Saturday are encouraged; however, walk-ins will be accepted. Visit the links below to schedule your appointment time.

Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. Kingdom Cathedral, 3820 Stoneshore Road
Flu (3+)
Pfizer (Bivalent Booster 12+)
Moderna (Bivalent Booster 6+)

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Vaccines for COVID-19” page at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.

###

Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk Open Saturday for COVID-19 Vaccinations

September 30, 2022
Media Contact: Larry Hill, larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

Regional Community Vaccination Center in Norfolk Open Saturday for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Monkeypox Vaccinations Moving to One Day a Week to Wednesdays

NORFOLK, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) continues this week the Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at the Military Circle Mall, 880 N. Military Highway in Norfolk. The site will be open on Saturday providing COVID-19 vaccinations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Last week the regional vaccination site provided more than three hundred COVID-19 vaccinations in the four-hour period.

All COVID-19 vaccines, including the new bivalent booster vaccines, will be offered. There is no registration. Walk-ins only.Virginians who are unvaccinated remain at high risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. Vaccinations will be for those aged 6 months and older.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Virginia Department of Health website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.

Monkeypox vaccinations during October, will only be offered one day a week on Wednesdays. The hours will be from 3-6 p.m.

You can register for a monkeypox vaccination by visiting: www.vase.virginia.gov and clicking on monkeypox, then enter zip code 23502 for the Military Circle Mall location. Or you may make a Monkeypox vaccination appointment by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) and stating you would like to make an appointment for a Military Circle Mall clinic.

Monkeypox is a rare contagious rash illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus is in the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox causes milder illness than smallpox, but some symptoms can be severe. The monkeypox virus can spread from animals to people and from person to person.

The risk to the community is considered low at this time. Anyone can get and spread monkeypox; however, it is spread by close contact with an infected person. The highest risk activity at present is sex with multiple or anonymous partners. Avoiding these activities greatly reduces your risk of catching or spreading monkeypox.

Monkeypox can spread from person to person through:

  • Sexual or intimate contact (including oral, anal, and vaginal sex)
  • Hugging, kissing, cuddling, and massage
  • Sharing a bed, sharing a towel, or sharing clothes that have not been washed

In Virginia, a two-dose series of a monkeypox vaccine (JYNNEOS) is recommended for individuals who identify with any of the following groups:

As of September 26, the eligibility requirements for Expanded PEP will be as follows:

  • All people, of any sexual orientation or gender, who have had anonymous or multiple (more than 1) sexual partners in the last 2 weeks; or
  • Sex workers, of any sexual orientation or gender; or
  • Staff of any sexual orientation or gender, at establishments or events where sexual activity, occurs; or
  • People of any sexual orientation of gender who:
  1. Are living with HIV/AIDS
  2. Has been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection in the past three months
  • Staff (of any sexual orientation or gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (such as bathhouses, sex clubs)

For more information about monkeypox, visit the VDH website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/monkeypox/ or the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html.

To find a COVID-19 or monkeypox vaccine event near you, contact or check the website of your local health department; to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a pharmacy or other location, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.

###