Tag: sports physicals

Central Shenandoah Health District Partnering with Sentara Community Cares to offer Back-to-School Immunization and Sports Physical Clinics

July 16, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Partnering with Sentara Community Cares to offer Back-to-School Immunization and Sports Physical Clinics
Parents and Caregivers Encouraged to Avoid the Summer Rush

HARRISONBURG, Va. – While summer fun is in full swing, now is a great time to start thinking about your child’s back‑to‑school vaccinations. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is encouraging parents and guardians to get their children school-required vaccinations as soon as possible to avoid the rush that occurs during the late summer months. Children entering daycare, public and private school must give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, 7th grade, and 12th grade.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends that children are immunized in accordance with the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Vaccines are still required for school entry and remain the same as listed in the Code of Virginia. VDH encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations.

“Vaccines give us the power to avoid illness; ultimately, they give us the power to live longer, healthier lives,” said Marsha Rodeffer, nursing manager at CSHD. “School required vaccines keep the children in our lives happy, healthy, and in school learning.”

Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school. Vaccines are available through pediatrician offices, pharmacies, and your local health department.

The CSHD and Sentara Community Cares will provide both back-to-school vaccinations for rising 7th through 12th graders and sports physicals at two events this summer:

  • Tools for Schools Event: Saturday, August 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eastern Mennonite University, 1307 Park Road, Harrisonburg
  • Atrium Sports Physicals and Immunizations Event: Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sentara Atrium, 2000 Beery Road, Harrisonburg

Tdap, Meningococcal, and HPV vaccines and sports physicals will be available at both events. No appointment is required; vaccines and physicals will be walk-in only.

Vaccines will be given on a first-come, first-served basis with limited supplies. Minors must be accompanied by an adult who is older than 18 years old.

A copy of the child’s vaccination record is required. If it is not readily available, a copy of the record can be requested through the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). If you have health insurance, please bring your insurance card or Medicaid card if applicable.

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. You can Locate A VVFC Provider by zip code.

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Health Department will also offer extended clinic hours for school-required immunizations. Extended clinics run until 5:30 p.m. and give parents the opportunity to get their children vaccinated without having to take leave from work.

VDH encourages parents to plan as soon as possible to save the stress of trying to get required vaccinations at the last minute, potentially missing the first day of school. Appointments for school-required vaccines can be scheduled at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Health Department by calling (540) 574-5101. For more information, please contact the Central Shenandoah Health District at cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov.

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New River Health District Hosting Mid-Summer Family Fun Fest Event

July 10, 2026
Media Contact: Noelle Bissell, M.D., health director, 540-585-3300

New River Health District Hosting Mid-Summer Family Fun Fest Event

PULASKI, Va. – The New River Health District (NRHD) will host its first Mid-Summer Family Fun Fest event on Friday, July 17 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Pulaski County Middle School, 4396 Lee Highway in Pulaski.

The NRHD is partnering with other local agencies and organizations to offer the community a one-stop shop to learn more about available programs and services and enjoy a day of fun. Services to be offered include:

  • FREE rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats. Dogs must be leashed and cats must be in carriers. Pets must remain under owners’ control.
  • Back-to-school immunizations billed to insurance and a limited supply of free vaccines for the uninsured.
  • School physicals billed to insurance or at a low rate for same day payment.
  • Sports physicals available for $40 each.
  • FREE lunch including sandwiches, chips, fruit, dessert, and a beverage.
  • Lots of giveaways and activities.

In addition to partnering organizations, the NRHD will have tables set up for each of its major programs, along with giveaways for people that stop by. Participants will have a chance to learn more about the following resources:

  • Community Outreach: Learn how NRHD can provide health education and information at your next work or community event.
  • Environmental Health Food Safety Program: Learn about safe food preparation and storage, as well as how restaurant inspections are performed by NRHD.
  • Environmental Health Rabies Program: Hear how to assess your family’s risk of exposure to rabies.
  • Environmental Health Septic and Well Services: Discover how systems operate and what you can do to ensure yours is well maintained.
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs: Get tips to ensure your loved ones are ready for natural disasters and other response events.
  • Immunizations: Get required back-to-school vaccinations.
  • Resource Mothers and BabyCare Services: Information for eligible pregnant and parenting women.
  • Rise Above Program: Hear how this program helps individuals at-risk for and with a history of substance use can get assistance and a path toward recovery.
  • Physicals: For those seeking required school and sports physicals.
  • Summer Safety: Learn how to protect yourself from the sun, the extreme heat and more.
  • Ticks: Get information on how to identify various ticks and how to protect yourself from them.
  • Vital Records: See how to request birth, death, marriage and divorce records.
  • WIC Services: Learn if you are eligible for the nutrition education and supplement program.

The NRHD wanted to offer community members of all ages a chance to connect with the wonderful programs and services available to support them, no matter where they are in life. This event offers programs and activities for young children through older adults, families and single individuals, as well as those with pets.

Information and services will be available from the following partnering agencies:

  • Imagination Library of Montgomery County
  • Pulaski Free Clinic
  • NRV Recovery Ecosystem
  • Pulaski County Office of Prevention and Recovery
  • New River Valley Agency on Aging
  • Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services
  • YMCA of Pulaski
  • New River Community Action – CHIP
  • Pulaski County Library System
  • New River Valley Senior Services and Pulaski Area Transit
  • New River Community Action
  • Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley
  • Virginia Tech Public Health
  • UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center

“We are all about meeting people where they are. We want our community to get to know us and all that we can offer by helping folks access programs and services that are here to support them,” said Noelle Bissell M.D., New River Health District director. “Whether it is difficult to take time away from work to take your child for back-to-school shots, or you just aren’t sure what programs are available to you, we want people to take advantage of this opportunity. We are bringing a lot of those resources and programs together at a time when we hope people can come and join us.”

The other goal of the event is to reinforce a sense of community – community between individuals – and also the sense of community where so many agencies and organizations are coming together to make themselves available to their fellow community members. “We want folks to come by, see what it is all about, share a meal, and feel valued and appreciated as a member of the NRV community,” said Dr. Bissell.

For more information, please contact the New River Health District at 540-585-3300 or visit the health district Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NewRiverHealthDistrict.

RHHD Encourages Parents and Guardians to Schedule Primary Care Appointments for Children During Summer Months

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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RHHD Encourages Parents and Guardians to Schedule Primary Care Appointments for Children During Summer Months

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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Crater Health District and Sussex County Partners to host Community Wellness Day Event

July 10, 2024
Media Contact: Katrina Saphrey, Katrina.Saphrey@vdh.virginia.gov or Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health District and Sussex County Partners to host Community Wellness Day Event

SUSSEX, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s Crater Health District (CHD) is partnering with the Sussex County Public Schools and Horizon Health Services to present Sussex County Wellness Day. The event will be held  Friday, July 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sussex Central High School, located at 21394 Sussex Drive, Stony Creek.

With “back-to-school” season just around the corner, CHD encourages the community to come out and get the required school immunizations and sports physicals. The event will also help residents connect with local health and community resources and learn about healthy eating habits, emergency preparedness, and chronic disease prevention.

“Our CHD staff and Sussex community partners look forward to providing important health services recommended for school entry and sharing important resources promoting healthy living,” said Crater District Health Director, Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH. “We invite everyone from Sussex County Public Schools to make sure students have the required immunizations so that everyone can start school on time.”

Health services such as select 7th grade and 12th grade immunizations (Tdap, HPV, and Meningococcal ACWY) required for school entry will be provided by Crater Health District. Sports physicals will be offered by Horizon Health Services. Please bring a valid form of identification, insurance card, and vaccine record.

“In addition to providing necessary health services to get kids ready to return to school, we are also bringing together various resources provided by organizations that understand the needs of Sussex County residents. The vendors will provide an array of resources with a focus on water quality, STI/HIV education, adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, childcare cost burden, insurance coverage access, and physical inactivity which are all health indicators identified in Sussex’s Community Health Assessment as areas of concern,” said Senior Epidemiologist E. Katrina Saphrey, MPH. “The Crater Health District is dedicated to partnering with organizations across the district to bring much-needed resources to our localities. Be on the lookout for more resource fairs coming to a locality near you!”

For more information about the Crater Health District, please visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/crater.

To learn more about our community partners visit Sussex County Public Schools or Horizon Health Services.

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