June 16, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov
RHHD Encourages Parents and Guardians to Schedule Primary Care Appointments for Children During Summer Months
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage families to schedule a wellness visit for children with their primary care provider during the summer months. These visits allow children to receive school-required immunizations and physicals ahead of the back-to-school season.
Families can schedule appointments with a primary care physician or one of RHHD’s community partners. RHHD provides resources for families on Medicaid, Medicare, or who are uninsured at rhhd.gov/connect-pc. Please visit RHHD’s School Health Hub, Richmond Public Schools, or Henrico County Public Schools for more information.
“Summer is a great time for your child to see their primary care provider for a wellness visit,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Nurse Supervisor Virginia Slattum. “A primary care provider will make sure your child gets the immunizations and physicals they need for school and sports. Appointments may be limited closer to the start of school. Taking care of these important visits now means kids will be ready for the school year and will have more time for late-summer fun!”
School-Required Immunizations
The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrollment. Parents and guardians can view the Virginia childhood vaccine schedule and can find more information on the web at School and Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements.
The Virginia Vaccines for Children Program (VVFC) provides free or low-cost vaccines for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid-enrolled children. Families can search for a nearby VFC provider using this tool rhhd.gov/vfc.
Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their primary care physician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners. Families can learn more by visiting rhhd.gov/childhoodvax-partners.
Families without insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can schedule appointments at an RHHD clinic by calling 804-205-3500 and can find more information at rhhd.gov/childhoodvax. Students must bring a guardian, a copy of immunization records, and an insurance card if they have one.
School and Sports Physicals Requirements
The Code of Virginia requires children to have a school physical before starting public kindergarten or enrolling in elementary school for the first time. During a physical, a doctor can:
- Identify potential health issues that could impact kids’ learning
- Ensure kids have the immunizations they need
- Promote healthy habits
Virginia middle- and high-school student athletes must complete a sports physical with a health care professional and give pages 1-3 of the Virginia High School League (VHSL) sports physical form to their school to be allowed to participate in VHSL sports. A sports physical can help student athletes identify and manage health problems that might affect their performance or increase their chances of being injured. The physical form expires 14 months from the date of the healthcare provider’s signature on the medical eligibility page.
Most insurance plans cover sports physicals if they are done at the same time as an annual wellness visit. Some insurance plans may cover a separate visit for a sports physical. All Virginia Medicaid Managed Care plans cover separate sports physicals. Ask about the cost when you are making the appointment.
For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov, and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.
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