Tag: hpv

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department Urges Virginians to Get Informed and Vaccinated.

March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department Urges Virginians to Get Informed and Vaccinated
March is National HPV Awareness Month.

WARRENTON, Va. — This month, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department highlights the importance of preventing Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers and diseases through screening, vaccination, and education.

HPV is spread through close and intimate skin-to-skin contact.  Roughly 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime, affecting millions of Americans each year. The HPV virus can cause cervical, throat, anal, and other cancers, but the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective tool to prevent these health issues.

“During National HPV Awareness Month, we encourage everyone in our community to get informed about HPV and the cancers it can cause,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect our children and ourselves. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District urges families to talk with their healthcare provider and stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends HPV vaccination for boys and girls starting at ages 11 to 12. Vaccination can be administered as early as age nine and through age 26 for those who did not get vaccinated earlier. Some adults age 27 and older may choose to get vaccinated, in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Screening for HPV is another safe and effective tool for preventing HPV-related cancer; however, it is not available for all cancers caused by HPV.

  • Women should start getting screened for cervical cancer at age 21. Screening can include HPV and/or Pap
  • A healthcare provider can help determine which screening test is best and how often a woman should get screened.
  • Eligible women can get free screenings through the Every Woman’s Life Program.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department asks all Virginians to:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine for yourself or your children.
  • Schedule an appointment for HPV vaccination if you or your child is eligible and have not yet received it. The HPV vaccine is available for free through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program for eligible children ages nine to 18 years old.
  • Share information about HPV prevention with family, friends, and your community.

Together, we can make HPV-related cancers a thing of the past. Vaccination is a step toward cancer prevention.

For more information about HPV, the vaccine, contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department at www.rrhd.org.

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The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Offers Tips to Help Reduce Cancer Risks

February 12, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Offers Tips to Help Reduce Cancer Risks
February is National Cancer Prevention Month

WARRENTON, Va. – The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is dedicated to protecting the health of its residents by promoting healthy lifestyle choices that serve to combat chronic diseases like cancer. Three of the top four cancers diagnosed in Virginia (breast, lung, and colorectal) are linked to habits that could be modified or steps that could be taken to help prevent the disease.

In honor of National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District wants to remind you of the importance of regular screenings to recognize early warning signs of cancer and understanding lifestyle-related risk factors.

“Cancer prevention starts with everyday choices that support healthy living,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “During National Cancer Prevention Month, we encourage our community to reduce risk by staying active, eating well, avoiding tobacco, and staying up to date on recommended screenings, because prevention is the best protection.”

Cancer affects one in three people in the United States. While cancer is not entirely preventable, you can reduce your risk by making healthy choices. Practice these common behaviors to help prevent cancer:

  • Avoid Tobacco: For the first step in living tobacco free, visit Quit Now Virginia.
  • Eat Healthy Foods: Healthy eating emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein.
  • Get Active: Physical activity is one of the best things Virginians can do for their health and well-being.
  • Be Safe in the Sun: Take precautions to protect your skin from the sun.
  • Protect against HPV: The best way to prevent the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine.
  • Know Your Cancer Risk: Talk with your healthcare provider to determine your cancer risks and make sure you get regular cancer screenings. Breast cancer screening (mammograms), colorectal or prostate cancer screening (e.g., colonoscopies or PSA tests) are provided at the UVA hospital: the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District offers Cervical cancer screening (Pap/HPV tests).

The Virginia Department of Health’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program (VACCP) focuses on reducing the incidence, morbidity and mortality of all cancers through prevention, early detection, treatment, and rehabilitation.

To learn more about available cancer prevention programs and resources, contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer

January 20, 2026 Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take action against cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human papilloma virus (HPV) causes more than nine out of every 10 cases of cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination.

  • Parents and guardians should make sure their children have their school-required HPV vaccination prior to starting 7th grade.
    • Parents and guardians can make appointments for school-required immunizations with their primary care provider, a local pharmacy, or at an in-school clinic.
  • Women ages 21 and older should talk to their doctor about cervical cancer screening.
    • The United States Department of Health and Human Services recently approved a self-administered test for cervical cancer for women aged 30-65 years at average risk. This test can be completed at home or at a doctor’s office. Insurance plans will be required to cover the full cost of self-collected HPV screenings by Jan. 1, 2027, with no cost to consumers.

“Making sure children get the HPV vaccine can help reduce their risk of developing cervical and other cancers,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “We encourage our community to protect their health and the health of their children through vaccination and regular screenings for cervical and other cancers.”

HPV Vaccination

According to a recent systematic review published in the Cochrane Library, the HPV vaccination:

  • reduces the incidence of cervical cancer by around 80% in people vaccinated at or before age of 16;
  • reduces the incidence of high‐grade cervical pre‐cancer lesions, as well as anogenital warts;
  • is not associated with an increased risk of long‐term side effects or infertility;
  • is more effective when given at or before the age of 16 years, before onset of sexual activity.

In November 2024, The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a research letter stating that studies from 2022 and 2023 indicated a 12 percent per year decline (overall, 65 percent reduction) in cervical cancer incidence from 2012 to 2019 among US women younger than 25 years who likely benefited from HPV vaccination.

A new nationwide cohort study from Sweden suggests that widespread HPV vaccination could substantially reduce the risk of precancerous lesions even among people who never received the vaccine.

HPV vaccination has been recommended for routine use in U.S. women since June 2006.

  • In Virginia, the HPV vaccine is required for all students, regardless of sex, prior to entry into 7th
  • Children who receive both doses of the vaccine before age 13 will receive the most protection.
  • Children who receive their first dose at the age of 15 or older will require three doses to complete the series.
  • The HPV vaccine is also recommended for people 26 years of age who did not start or complete the vaccination at an earlier age.
  • HPV vaccine recommendation for persons 27-45 years of age is based on shared clinical decision making.

According to data from VDH, as of Jan. 13, 2026, 74.1 percent of 13-year-olds in Richmond City and 73.3 percent of 13-year-olds in Henrico County have received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine series. Statewide, 76 percent of 13-year-olds have received least one dose of the HPV vaccine series.

As of Jan. 13, 2026, 47.4 percent of 18-year-olds in Richmond City and 70.4 percent of 18-year-olds in Henrico County have received the complete HPV vaccine series. Statewide, 62.7 percent of 18-year-olds have received the complete HPV vaccine series.

HPV and Cervical Cancer Data

According to data from CDC, HPV causes six different kinds of cancer, including almost all (91 percent) of cervical cancers. HPV also causes 70 percent of head and neck (oropharyngeal) cancers.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s State Cancer Profile, the rate of new cases of cervical cancer in Virginia has been decreasing steadily from 2017 to 2021. The rates of new cases in Richmond and Henrico were somewhat lower than the rate in Virginia during the same time period.

Screening and Care for Cervical Cancer

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers Every Woman’s Life (EWL), a public health program that helps uninsured, income-eligible women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services. Screening and early detection reduce death rates, improve treatment options, and greatly increase rates of survival. If a woman enrolled in EWL is diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer she may be eligible for Medicaid to pay for treatment. Community members can use this link to find a EWL provider near them.

To be eligible for EWL, a woman must be a Virginia resident between the ages of 18-64, meet federal income guidelines and be uninsured. Women 18-39 must be symptomatic or be determined to be high risk for breast and/or cervical cancer to be eligible.

Visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to locate primary care providers in the Richmond and Henrico area. Visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax for more information on school-required immunizations. For information about RHHD’s clinical health resources and HPV vaccination schedule, call 804-205-3500 or visit rhhd.gov.

Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

 

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer

Posted on by brianlittle

January 20, 2026 Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take action against cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human papilloma virus (HPV) causes more than nine out of every 10 cases of cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination.

  • Parents and guardians should make sure their children have their school-required HPV vaccination prior to starting 7th grade.
    • Parents and guardians can make appointments for school-required immunizations with their primary care provider, a local pharmacy, or at an in-school clinic.
  • Women ages 21 and older should talk to their doctor about cervical cancer screening.
    • The United States Department of Health and Human Services recently approved a self-administered test for cervical cancer for women aged 30-65 years at average risk. This test can be completed at home or at a doctor’s office. Insurance plans will be required to cover the full cost of self-collected HPV screenings by Jan. 1, 2027, with no cost to consumers.

“Making sure children get the HPV vaccine can help reduce their risk of developing cervical and other cancers,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “We encourage our community to protect their health and the health of their children through vaccination and regular screenings for cervical and other cancers.”

HPV Vaccination

According to a recent systematic review published in the Cochrane Library, the HPV vaccination:

  • reduces the incidence of cervical cancer by around 80% in people vaccinated at or before age of 16;
  • reduces the incidence of high‐grade cervical pre‐cancer lesions, as well as anogenital warts;
  • is not associated with an increased risk of long‐term side effects or infertility;
  • is more effective when given at or before the age of 16 years, before onset of sexual activity.

In November 2024, The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a research letter stating that studies from 2022 and 2023 indicated a 12 percent per year decline (overall, 65 percent reduction) in cervical cancer incidence from 2012 to 2019 among US women younger than 25 years who likely benefited from HPV vaccination.

A new nationwide cohort study from Sweden suggests that widespread HPV vaccination could substantially reduce the risk of precancerous lesions even among people who never received the vaccine.

HPV vaccination has been recommended for routine use in U.S. women since June 2006.

  • In Virginia, the HPV vaccine is required for all students, regardless of sex, prior to entry into 7th
  • Children who receive both doses of the vaccine before age 13 will receive the most protection.
  • Children who receive their first dose at the age of 15 or older will require three doses to complete the series.
  • The HPV vaccine is also recommended for people 26 years of age who did not start or complete the vaccination at an earlier age.
  • HPV vaccine recommendation for persons 27-45 years of age is based on shared clinical decision making.

According to data from VDH, as of Jan. 13, 2026, 74.1 percent of 13-year-olds in Richmond City and 73.3 percent of 13-year-olds in Henrico County have received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine series. Statewide, 76 percent of 13-year-olds have received least one dose of the HPV vaccine series.

As of Jan. 13, 2026, 47.4 percent of 18-year-olds in Richmond City and 70.4 percent of 18-year-olds in Henrico County have received the complete HPV vaccine series. Statewide, 62.7 percent of 18-year-olds have received the complete HPV vaccine series.

HPV and Cervical Cancer Data

According to data from CDC, HPV causes six different kinds of cancer, including almost all (91 percent) of cervical cancers. HPV also causes 70 percent of head and neck (oropharyngeal) cancers.

According to the National Cancer Institute’s State Cancer Profile, the rate of new cases of cervical cancer in Virginia has been decreasing steadily from 2017 to 2021. The rates of new cases in Richmond and Henrico were somewhat lower than the rate in Virginia during the same time period.

Screening and Care for Cervical Cancer

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers Every Woman’s Life (EWL), a public health program that helps uninsured, income-eligible women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services. Screening and early detection reduce death rates, improve treatment options, and greatly increase rates of survival. If a woman enrolled in EWL is diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer she may be eligible for Medicaid to pay for treatment. Community members can use this link to find a EWL provider near them.

To be eligible for EWL, a woman must be a Virginia resident between the ages of 18-64, meet federal income guidelines and be uninsured. Women 18-39 must be symptomatic or be determined to be high risk for breast and/or cervical cancer to be eligible.

Visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to locate primary care providers in the Richmond and Henrico area. Visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax for more information on school-required immunizations. For information about RHHD’s clinical health resources and HPV vaccination schedule, call 804-205-3500 or visit rhhd.gov.

Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

 

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Central Shenandoah Offers School Required Immunizations at Staunton and Waynesboro Back-to-School Events

July 9, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov

Central Shenandoah Offers School Required Immunizations at Staunton and Waynesboro Back-to-School Events

STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District will offer school required immunizations for rising 7th and 12th graders at the Staunton City Schools’ and Waynesboro Public Schools’ Back-to-School events this summer. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are Human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap). The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or 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.

The locations and dates of these Back-to-School events are listed below:

Monday, July 21, 1-6 p.m.
Staunton High School, 1301 N Coalter St, Staunton, VA 24401

Sunday, July 20, 1-6 p.m.
Embrace Community Center, 932 Fir St, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. Those who qualify for the Vaccine for Children Program will not be billed. If a student has insurance, they must provide their insurance information for insurance to be billed.

“These summertime vaccine events are one of the most convenient ways for children and parents to prepare for the next school year,” said Dr. Allison Baroco, acting health director. “Taking advantage of this opportunity now will prevent the last-minute rush as the first day of school approaches. It is important for children to be vaccinated so they may be less likely to get sick and miss school. Ultimately, this will enable them to devote more time to their academic performance and social development.”

Only students enrolled in Staunton and Waynesboro City Schools and their corresponding events may participate in these immunization opportunities. School required immunizations are also available at your local health department by appointment. To see when a child is due for their next vaccine, view the VIRGINIA VACCINATION SCHEDULE.

March 20, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Offers In-School Vaccination Clinics

LEBANON, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties this spring. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or 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.

Those who qualify for the Vaccine for Children Program will not be billed. If a student has insurance, they must provide their insurance information since insurance will be billed. Parents must complete and submit to the school a signed consent form for their children to receive any vaccines at these clinics. Signed consent forms should be turned in to the children’s school prior to the clinic date. Without a signed consent form, children cannot receive any vaccinations.

“In-school vaccine clinics are one of the most convenient ways for children and parents to prepare for the next school year without having to take time away from your summer fun.” said Reisa Sloce, Director of the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “Vaccines offer effective protection for everyone in the community from serious illnesses such as polio, measles, whooping cough, influenza, meningitis, chickenpox and pneumonia.  School vaccines are crucial for protecting children from serious diseases, preventing outbreaks in schools, as well as ensuring a healthier and safer learning environment for everyone”.

Pre-registration is required for those students needing vaccines. Please visit the following website to register your child: https://redcap.link/cpspring25

Location and dates of these in-school vaccine clinics include:

  • Tazewell County
    • April 1: Graham High & Graham Middle
    • April 2: Tazewell High & Tazewell Middle
    • April 4: Richlands High & Richlands Middle
  • Dickenson County:
    • April 10: Ridgeview High & Ridgeview Middle
  • Russell County:
    • April 14: Honaker High & Honaker Elementary
    • April 15: Castlewood High & Castlewood Elementary
    • April 16: Lebanon High, Russell Vocational School & Lebanon Middle
  • Buchanan County
    • April 21: Twin Valley High, Hurley High, & Hurley Middle
    • April 22: Council High, Council Middle, & Twin Valley Middle
    • April 24: Riverview & Grundy High

School required vaccines are also available at your local health department. For more information or to make an appointment, contact your local health department:

Buchanan: 276-935-4591
Dickenson: 276-926-4979
Russell: 276-889-7621
Tazewell: 276-988-5585

To see which vaccines are needed for various age groups, review the Virginia vaccination schedule here: VIRGINIA VACCINATION SCHEDULE

 

LENOWISCO Health District Offers In-School Vaccination Clinics

March 20, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

LENOWISCO Health District Offers In-School Vaccination Clinics

WISE, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health’s LENOWISCO Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders in Lee, Scott, and Wise counties and the City of Norton this spring. The types of vaccines available at these clinics are human papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY, and Tdap. These vaccines are available at no cost for those with and without insurance. The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, and public or 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.

Those who qualify for the Vaccine for Children Program will not be billed. If a student has insurance, they must provide their insurance information since insurance will be billed. Parents must complete and submit to the school a signed consent form for their children to receive any vaccines at these clinics. Signed consent forms should be turned in to the children’s school prior to the clinic date. Without a signed consent form, children cannot receive any vaccinations.

“In-school vaccine clinics are one of the most convenient ways for children and parents to prepare for the next school year without having to take time away from your summer fun.” said Reisa Sloce, Director of the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “Vaccines offer effective protection for everyone in the community from serious illnesses such as polio, measles, whooping cough, influenza, meningitis, chickenpox and pneumonia.  School vaccines are crucial for protecting children from serious diseases, preventing outbreaks in schools, as well as ensuring a healthier and safer learning environment for everyone”.

If vaccinations are needed, pre-registration is required.  Please visit the following websites to register your child:  https://redcap.link/lenospring25

The location and dates of these in-school vaccine clinics are below.

  • City of Norton:
    • April 2: Norton Elem./Middle & JI Burton High
  • Wise County:
    • April 7: Coeburn Middle, St. Paul Elementary, & Eastside High
    • April 9: Union Middle, Union High, &Alternative Ed
    • April 11: JW Adams Combined, LF Addington Middle, & Central High
  • Lee County:
    • April 15: Elydale Elementary & Thomas Walker High
    • April 16: Pennington Middle & Jonesville Middle
    • April 21: Shoemaker Elementary & Gate City High
    • April 22: Lee High
  • Scott County:
    • April 24: Hiltons Elementary, Weber City Elementary, & Yuma Elementary
    • April 25: Ft. Blackmore Elementary, Rye Cove Intermediate, & Rye Cove High
    • April 28: Dungannon Intermediate, Twin Springs High, & Nickelsville Elementary

School required vaccines are also available at your local health department. For more information or to make an appointment, contact your local health department:

Lee: 276-346-2011
Scott: 276-386-1312
Wise/Norton: 276-328-8000

To see which vaccines are needed for various age groups, review the Virginia vaccination schedule here: VIRGINIA VACCINATION SCHEDULE

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. 

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer

January 27, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take action against cervical cancer:

  • Women ages 21 and older should talk to their doctor about cervical cancer
  • Parents and guardians should make sure their children have their school-required human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination prior to starting 7th grade.
    • Parents and guardians can make appointments for school-required immunizations with their primary care provider, a local pharmacy, or at an in-school clinic.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV causes six different kinds of cancer, including almost all (91%) of cervical cancers. HPV also causes 70% of head and neck (oropharyngeal) cancers.

“I encourage women to protect themselves and I’m also going to make sure my sons get vaccinated against HPV,” said RHHD Nurse Practitioner Christy Smith. “Even with the HPV vaccine, people still need to follow testing guidelines based their age and pap history. Together, the HPV vaccine and regular screening are powerful tools that protect against cervical and other cancers.”

According to the National Cancer Institute’s State Cancer Profile, the rate of new cases of cervical cancer in Virginia has been decreasing steadily from 2017 to 2021. The rates of new cases in Richmond and Henrico were somewhat lower than the rate in Virginia during the same time period.

In November 2024, The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a research letter stating that studies from 2022 and 2023 indicated a 12% per year decline (overall, 65% reduction) in cervical cancer incidence from 2012 to 2019 among US women younger than 25 years who likely benefited from HPV vaccination.

HPV vaccination has been recommended for routine use in U.S. women since June 2006.

  • In Virginia, the HPV vaccine is required for all students, regardless of sex, prior to entry into 7th
  • Children who receive both doses of the vaccine before age 13 will receive the most
  • Children who receive their first dose at the age of 15 or older will require three total doses for full
  • The HPV vaccine is also recommended for people 26 years of age who did not start or complete the vaccination at an earlier age.
  • HPV vaccine recommendation for persons 27-45 years of age is based on shared clinical decision

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers Every Woman’s Life (EWL), a public health program

that helps uninsured, income-eligible women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services. Screening and early detection reduce death rates, improve treatment options, and greatly increase rates of survival. If a woman enrolled in EWL is diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer she may be eligible for Medicaid to pay for treatment. Community members can use this link to find a EWL provider near them.

To be eligible for EWL, a woman must be a Virginia resident between the ages of 18-64, meet federal income guidelines and be uninsured. Women 18-39 must be symptomatic or be determined to be high risk for breast and/or cervical cancer to be eligible.

Community members can visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to locate primary care providers in the Richmond and Henrico area. Community members can visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax for more information on school-required immunizations. For information about RHHD’s clinical health resources and HPV vaccination schedule, call 804-205-3501 or visit rhhd.gov.

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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