Tag: school required immunizations

Central Shenandoah Health District Wellness 101: Your College Syllabus for a Safe and Healthy School Year

August 4, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Wellness 101: Your College Syllabus
for a Safe and Healthy School Year

STAUNTON, Va.– Going off to college is an exciting time for many young adults and learning to take care of your health is as important as any required course. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is offering tips for physical, sexual, and mental wellness this school year.

Living in close quarters, often combined with poor diets and sleep schedules, puts college students at an increased risk for infections and diseases including:

  • Meningitis
  • Sinus infections
  • Cold and flu viruses
  • Sexually transmitted infections

Here are some ways to help students stay healthy:

Get Immunized

College students should be up to date on all school required immunizations. In addition, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends the following vaccines:

  • Meningococcal ACWY
  • Meningococcal B
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Influenza
  • COVID-19

Vaccines are available through your healthcare provider, pharmacies, and local health department during clinic hours.

Practice Healthy Hygiene Habits

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Don’t share drinks
  • Stay home when you’re sick

Prioritize Sexual Wellness

  • Take steps to reduce your likelihood of coming in contact with a Sexually Transmitted Infection(STI):
    • Abstain from sexual activity or reduce your number of sexual partners.
    • Use condoms consistently and correctly every time.
  • If you are sexually active:
    • Get tested for STIs at least once a year.
    • Testing is free and confidential at certain CSHD locations throughout the year and through student health services at most colleges and universities.
    • Learn about free or low-cost medications that can prevent someone from becoming infected with HIV (PrEP) or STIs (DoxyPEP) if they are exposed.

Mental Health Matters

Think Before You Drink

Alcohol consumption affects your body and your mind. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse (NIAA) estimates that alcohol use by college students is a factor in more than 1,500 deaths, nearly 700,000 assaults and most sexual assaults involving college students. If you choose to drink do so in moderation and understand the risks.

August 1, 2025
Media Contact: Michelle McPheron, michelle.mcpheron@vdh.virginia.gov

LENOWISCO Health District Wants to Make Sure
Your Child is Ready for School
Lee, Wise, Scott Health Departments Holding Vaccination Clinics

WISE, Va. – Setting your kids up for success this school year means making sure they have all the tools they need, including vaccines to protect against preventable diseases such as meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and others. Lee, Scott, and Wise County/Norton City health departments are making it easy to get these required immunizations at a clinic during the month of August. School and sports physicals appointments are also available.

Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade.

Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school and work saving your family time and money.

“Vaccines are an important tool for keeping our children and communities healthy. School required vaccines are available at all our local health departments. Adolescent school required vaccines for rising 7th graders and rising 12th graders will also be available at orientation events next week at Union Middle School, LF Addington Middle School and Coeburn Middle School,” said Reisa Sloce, Director of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts.

Vaccines are safe and effective and are your child’s best defense against infectious disease. Measles is a recent example. The highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the year 2000 is experiencing a surge in the U.S. with more than 1,200 cases reported so far this year, including three cases in Virginia.

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

Lee, Scott and Wise County/Norton City Health Departments offer school-required immunizations free of charge by appointment during regular clinic hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Please be sure to bring a copy of your child’s vaccination record. If you don’t have it, you can request the record here. If you have health insurance, please also bring your insurance card. Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program which offers free vaccines to eligible children.

For more information, please contact your local health department: Lee County: 276-346- 2011, Scott County: 276-386-1312, or Wise County/Norton City: 276-328-8000.

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.

July 6, 2023

Media Contact: Allie Phillips, population health manager, allison.phillips@vdh.virginia.gov

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offering Back to School Vaccination Clinics

 WISE, VA – During July and August, the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts will be offering school required vaccinations at each health department throughout both districts. This is a great opportunity for parents to get their child on track for their 7th and 12th grade school required vaccines.

School Required Immunizations:

  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (Tdap)- a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 7th grade
  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY) Vaccine – All children are required to have a minimum of 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine. The first dose should be administered prior to entering the 7th grade. The final dose should be administered prior to entering the 12th grade.
  • *Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine –A complete series of 2 doses of HPV vaccine is required for students entering the 7th The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 7th grade

*after reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parent or guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child to not receive the HPV vaccine

Appointments are required for all clinics. Due to limited spots, parents are urged to call ASAP to schedule a slot for their child. Upon arrival, please be able to provide proof of insurance and the child’s vaccine record.

School Vaccination Clinic locations and dates:

LENOWISCO Health District:

July 19, 24, 26, and 31: Wise County Health Department

August 1, 2, and 8: Lee County Health Department

August 7, 10, and 14: Scott County Health Department

Cumberland Plateau Health District:

August 7, 8, and 10: Buchanan County Health Department

August 1, 3, and 8: Dickenson County Health Department

August 7, 9, and 14: Russell County Health Department

August 10, 15, and 16: Tazewell County Health Department