Tag: immunization

Central Shenandoah Health District Holding Spring In-School Vaccine Clinics for Middle and High School Students

March 31, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Holding Spring In-School Vaccine Clinics for Middle and High School Students

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics this spring for rising 7th and 12th graders within Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Public School Districts. The 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), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

“We recognize that time is valuable and the closer we get to summer, adults get even busier with vacations and other priorities. We encourage students to get their vaccines sooner rather than later when there can be a rush just before school begins in the fall,” said Xavier Crockett, Health Director of the Central Shenandoah Health District. “To make getting these important vaccines more convenient, CSHD will be hosting in-school vaccination clinics beginning in early April.”

In-school vaccine clinics dates and locations include:

Harrisonburg City Public Schools

  • Harrisonburg High School: April 16
  • Thomas Harrison Middle School: April 22
  • Rocktown High School: April 23
  • Skyline Middle School: April 30

Rockingham County Public Schools

  • Wilbur Pence Middle School: April 8
  • Turner Ashby High School: April 15
  • Broadway High School & J. Frank Middle School: April 20
  • Spotswood High School & Montevideo Middle School: April 24
  • East Rock High School & Elkton Middle School: April 29

Additional schools may be added in the future. Parents are encouraged to visit our website for up-to-date information about the in-school clinic schedule www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/health-services/immunizations/

Only students enrolled in the above listed individual schools and their corresponding clinics may attend these in-school clinics. School required vaccines are also available at your local health department. For more information or to make an appointment, contact your local health department.

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.

To see which vaccines are needed for various age groups, review the AAP Vaccination Schedule.

For more information on vaccines, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/

 

It’s Not Just for Kids: Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Encourages Everyone to Stay Up to Date on Immunizations

August 25, 2025
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov

 It’s Not Just for Kids: Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Encourages Everyone to Stay Up to Date on Immunizations
August is National Immunization Awareness Month

WARRENTON, Va. – Have you ever seen someone with measles or diphtheria? Neither have most doctors practicing in the United States today. Immunization has made these and several other serious diseases rare. However, a decline in children receiving immunizations is putting communities at risk again. During National Immunization Awareness Month, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is reminding people of all ages that staying up to date on immunizations is essential in protecting individuals and their entire community.

As families prepare for the new school year it’s important that parents make sure their children are current on all school requirements for immunization. In Virginia, vaccines are required for school-aged children entering kindergarten, seventh, and 12th grades. Immunization rates for local schools can be found on the Virginia Student Immunization Status Survey. We encourage you to talk to a healthcare provider about your child’s routine immunizations.

“Immunizations are not just about individual protection; they are about safeguarding our entire community,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, MD. “When vaccination rates fall, diseases we thought were gone can come back. Every shot keeps our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods healthier and safer.”

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District recommends adults stay up to date on vaccines as well. Adults should talk with their healthcare provider about what is recommended for them based on their age and health.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District wants to make sure that no one falls behind on immunization based on lack of access, information, or money. The VDH Call Center, (877) VAX-IN-VA (877) 829-4682 (English, Spanish, 100+ languages), can help:

For more information on immunization or to schedule an appointment at the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District, please visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock-rapidan/

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Mount Rogers Health District Announces Upcoming School Vaccination Clinics for Bristol City and Washington County

August 1, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, Brianne.Kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Announces Upcoming School Vaccination Clinics for Bristol City and Washington County

BRISTOL, Va. – As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, the Bristol City and Washington County Health Departments wants to remind parents and guardians that vaccinations are required for all students. A list of required vaccinations can be found here.

“We want every child to walk through the school doors on their first day ready to learn—and that starts with being up to date on their required vaccines,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Mount Rogers Health District Director. “To make it easier for busy families, our health departments are offering expanded or offsite hours in the coming weeks, including walk-ins. Don’t wait—make a plan to get your child vaccinated now so they can start school on time.”

All students must provide proof of immunization before school starts. To assist families in meeting these requirements, the Bristol City and Washington County Health Departments will host vaccination clinics on the following dates and locations:

Upcoming Clinics at Virginia Middle School – 501 Piedmont Ave., Bristol:

Upcoming Clinics at Bristol City Health Department – 341 Piedmont Ave., Bristol

  • August 12, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • August 13, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Upcoming Clinics at Washington County Health Department – 15068 Lee Highway, Suite 1000, Bristol:

  • August 5, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • August 6 and 7, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Vaccines will be provided at no cost. Clinics at the health department have limited walk-in availability and appointments are strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment or if you want more information, please contact the Bristol City Health Department at (276) 642-7335 or the Washington County Health Department at (276) 676-5604.

Mount Rogers Health District Offers Free Tetanus and Hepatitis A Vaccines  

October 2, 2024
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, 276-781-7450

Mount Rogers Health District Offers Free Tetanus and Hepatitis A Vaccines

MARION, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District is offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) and Hepatitis A vaccines to those adults 19 years and older affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery.

Tetanus, sometimes called “lockjaw,” can cause symptoms such as fever, jaw cramping, muscle spasms, and seizures. Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.

The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.

You may need a tetanus booster shot if:

  • It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a puncture wound and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a wound that has come in contact with flood water, and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV infection usually causes a mild, short-term illness, is contagious, and spreads through close person-to-person contact and eating contaminated food or drink. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection.

You may need a dose of hepatitis A vaccine if:

  • You are living, working, or preparing food in a shelter.
  • You are providing medical or personal care to displaced residents.
  • You are working in a jail, prison, detention center, or law enforcement capacity.
  • You are functioning as a first responder.

Hepatitis A immunization is not indicated for those engaged in clean-up or those exposed to flood waters. There is no increased risk of hepatitis A in sewer workers or those working in flood waters. If you have had the two-dose series of hepatitis A, no booster is needed.

Vaccines will be offered during the following dates and times:

Tetanus and Hepatitis A Vaccines

Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3 – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Grayson Highlands School, 6459 Troutdale Highway, Troutdale

Mount Rogers Fire and Rescue Building, 51 Firehouse Road, Whitetop

Brookside Baptist Church, 5523 Sugar Grove Highway (Highway 16), Sugar Grove


Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Town Park, 202 South Beaver Dam Ave., Damascus


Thursday, October 3, Noon – 4:30 p.m. and Friday, October 4, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Bristol City Health Department, 341 Piedmont Ave., Bristol

Bland County Health Department, 209 Jackson St., Bland

Carroll County Health Department, 605 Pine St., Suite 15, Hillsville

Galax City Health Department, 502 S. Main St., Galax

Grayson County Health Department, 186 West Main St., Independence

Smyth County Health Department., 201 Francis Marion Lane, Marion

Washington County Health Department, 15068 Lee Highway, Suite, 1000, Bristol

Wythe County Health Department, 290 S. 6th St., Suite 300, Wytheville

If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus or hepatitis A vaccine, contact your primary care provider or your local health department. For more information on immunization, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/.

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offer Free Tdap Vaccines

October 1, 2024
Media Contact:
Daniel Hunsucker, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offer Free Tdap Vaccines

WISE, Va. – The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery.

Tetanus, sometimes called “lockjaw,” can cause symptoms such as fever, jaw cramping, muscle spasms, and seizures. Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.

The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.

You may need a tetanus booster shot if:

  • It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a puncture wound and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.
  • You have a wound that has come in contact with flood water, and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.

If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus vaccine, contact your primary care provider or your local health department. For more information on immunization, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/.

The vaccines are available for free at all health departments in Cumberland Plateau (Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell) and in LENOWISCO (Lee, Scott, Wise) during regular business hours, Monday-Friday.

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