Tag: tetanus

Cumberland Plateau Health District Shares Important Vaccination Information for Those Impacted by the Recent Floods

July 22, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Shares Important Vaccination Information for Those Impacted by the Recent Floods

LEBANON, Va. — The Cumberland Plateau Health District is giving free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery. Vaccines will be given at the Dante Community Center on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1 – 3 p.m.

The health department reminds residents and first responders to ensure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date. 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 floodwater, 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 about tetanus, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/tetanus-lockjaw/

 

 

 

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.

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Encourage Tetanus Vaccine Following Recent Floods

February 18, 2025
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Encourage Tetanus Vaccine Following Recent Floods

WISE, Va. – The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery. The health department reminds residents and first responders to ensure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date.

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 or want more information about the availability of vaccines, contact your primary care provider, your local health department, or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/.

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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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

 

Mount Rogers Health District Announces Bland and Wythe County Community Vaccine Clinics

March 15, 2024
Media Contact: Tricia VanHoy
Senior Nurse Manager
tricia.vanhoy@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Announces Bland and Wythe County Community Vaccine Clinics

(MARION, Va.) – The Bland and Wythe County Health Departments, in collaboration with the Wythe-Bland Foundation, announce the return of the adult vaccine clinics.

Tuesday, April 2
Elbert Munsey Masonic Lodge
12803 N. Scenic Highway
Rocky Gap, VA 24366

Thursday, April 25
Wytheville Meeting Center
333 Community Blvd.
Wytheville, VA 24382

Walk-ins will not be accepted. Those with an appointment will not incur any out-of-pocket costs. Appointments can be made by contacting the following health departments:

Bland County Health Department
(276) 688-3642

Wythe County Health Department
(276) 228-5507
Spanish-speaking residents may call (276) 238-6105 to schedule an appointment.

The clinics will offer a range of essential vaccinations, including diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus (Tdap), shingles, and COVID-19. Individuals who received the shingles vaccine before 2018 should consider receiving the updated vaccination for enhanced protection.

 

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