Central Shenandoah Health District Encourages All Residents to
Get Vaccinated for the Flu
STAUNTON, Va. – With the 2025-26 influenza (flu), season officially underway, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) encourages everyone six months and older who lives, works or plays in the Shenandoah Valley to receive their annual influenza vaccine.
“The flu is not a mild illness,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Even though we experience flu season every year, it’s important to make sure you are protected each annual flu season by getting vaccinated. Flu shots help maintain the health of our whole community.”
Flu season, the period of highest influenza activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, activity often peaks in January or February.
A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.
You should get the influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.
Influenza is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. The flu is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.
To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:
Get vaccinated.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.
Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand.
Stay at home when you are sick.
It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. For more information, call the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at (540) 332-7830 or visit the VDH flu page.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Encourages All Residents to Get Vaccinated for the Flu
WARRENTON, Va. – With the 2025-26 influenza (flu), season officially underway, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department encourages everyone six months and older who lives, works or plays in Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison, and Rappahannock counties to receive their annual influenza vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a severe 2024-25 flu season with record high hospitalization rate in the U.S and the highest number of pediatric deaths during a regular, non-pandemic season. Last season, Virginia reported six influenza-associated pediatric deaths and 366 influenza outbreaks. RRHD has the lowest rate of flu cases as compared to Alexandria and Fairfax counties.
“Getting your flu shot is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and the health of those around you,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director James B. Carr, M.D. “Each year, the flu vaccine helps reduce the burden on our healthcare system and keeps our community safer, especially for young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated early in the season and do their part in staying healthy.”
Flu season, the period of highest influenza activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, activity often peaks in January or February.
A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.
You should get the influenza vaccine as soon as it becomes available. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine.
Influenza is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. The flu is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.
To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:
Get vaccinated.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.
Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand.
Stay at home when you are sick.
It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. For more information, call the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department at www.rrhd.org or visit the VDH flu page.
March 14, 2025 Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, 540-480-4998
Central Shenandoah Health District Holding In-School Spring Vaccination Clinics for Middle and High School Students
STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th graders within Staunton City, Waynesboro City, and Augusta County Public School Districts this spring. The types of 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), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians.
The locations and dates of these in-school vaccine clinics are below.
Skyline Middle School: March 18
Harrisonburg High School: March 21
Broadway High School & JF Hillyard Middle School: April 14
Spotswood High School & Montevideo Middle School: April 25
East Rockingham High School & Elkton Middle School: April 30
Turner Ashby High School & Wilber Pence Middle School: May 2
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.
“In-school vaccine clinics are one of the most convenient ways for children and parents to prepare for the next school year,” said Dr. Allison Baroco, Health Director of the Central Shenandoah Health District. “They don’t require you or your student to take time out of your summer, helping you complete one of the required tasks earlier in the year, and ensuring your child starts their next school year on time. Back-to-school vaccines are crucial for protecting children from serious diseases and preventing outbreaks in schools, ensuring a healthier and safer learning environment for everyone”.
Only students enrolled in the 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
To see which vaccines are needed for various age groups, review the Virginia vaccination schedule here: VIRGINIA VACCINATION SCHEDULE
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Central Virginia Health District is providing an update on the occurrence of rabies in the district, which includes the City of Lynchburg and Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties. Since January 1, 2025, the district has received reports from the state laboratory that four animals have tested positive for rabies. The rabid animals include two raccoons, one skunk and one dog. The rabid skunk was found in Lynchburg and the other three animals were found in Bedford County. In 2024, the district had 31 cases of rabies in animals, with at least one rabid animal in each of our five localities.
With the rabid dog case, our records indicate that the animal was up to date on its rabies vaccinations. Rabies in a properly vaccinated dog or cat is extremely rare, but health department protocol for animal bites recognizes the possibility. When a person is bitten by a vaccinated dog or cat, the animal is observed for 10 days, regardless of the vaccination history. This will confirm that the animal was not contagious for rabies when the bite occurred. We know that despite the rare “breakthrough” rabies cases, proper vaccination of cats and dogs is extremely effective for preventing rabies in both animals and people.
The Central Virginia Health District urges the public to take commonsense measures to protect themselves and their domestic animals from rabies. Pet owners should keep their pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Virginia law requires that all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that vaccinations be kept current.
Additional steps that can be taken to prevent rabies in people and pets include:
Do not feed stray animals. Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have concerns about sick or injured wildlife. A list of permitted wildlife rehabilitators can be found at the Department of Wildlife Resources website (https://dwr.virginia.gov) or by calling the nearest Wildlife Resources office.
Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
Do not try to trap or handle stray and wild animals. If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Call your local animal control officer or health department to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.
Report all bites to people to the local health department for investigation.
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal do not panic. Wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the health department for further recommendations.
RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) and Richmond Public Schools (RPS) are partnering to offer in-school immunization clinics in February and March. RPS families with 6th and 11th graders are encouraged to sign the RPS-provided consent form and schedule an appointment so that their student can receive the required immunizations ahead of the traditional Back-to-School season. These clinics will offer the tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis (Tdap) vaccine and the meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY) vaccine as well as provide information about where to get the vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). more>>
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage Vaccination and Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
RICHMOND, Va. – In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take action against cervical cancer:
Women ages 21 and older should talk to their doctor about cervical cancer
Parents and guardians should make sure their children have their school-required human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination prior to starting 7th grade.
Parents and guardians can make appointments for school-required immunizations with their primary care provider, a local pharmacy, or at an in-school clinic.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV causes six different kinds of cancer, including almost all (91%) of cervical cancers. HPV also causes 70% of head and neck (oropharyngeal) cancers.
“I encourage women to protect themselves and I’m also going to make sure my sons get vaccinated against HPV,” said RHHD Nurse Practitioner Christy Smith. “Even with the HPV vaccine, people still need to follow testing guidelines based their age and pap history. Together, the HPV vaccine and regular screening are powerful tools that protect against cervical and other cancers.”
According to the National Cancer Institute’s State Cancer Profile, the rate of new cases of cervical cancer in Virginia has been decreasing steadily from 2017 to 2021. The rates of new cases in Richmond and Henrico were somewhat lower than the rate in Virginia during the same time period.
In November 2024, The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a research letter stating that studies from 2022 and 2023 indicated a 12% per year decline (overall, 65% reduction) in cervical cancer incidence from 2012 to 2019 among US women younger than 25 years who likely benefited from HPV vaccination.
HPV vaccination has been recommended for routine use in U.S. women since June 2006.
In Virginia, the HPV vaccine is required for all students, regardless of sex, prior to entry into 7th
Children who receive both doses of the vaccine before age 13 will receive the most
Children who receive their first dose at the age of 15 or older will require three total doses for full
The HPV vaccine is also recommended for people 26 years of age who did not start or complete the vaccination at an earlier age.
HPV vaccine recommendation for persons 27-45 years of age is based on shared clinical decision
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) offers Every Woman’s Life (EWL), a public health program
that helps uninsured, income-eligible women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services. Screening and early detection reduce death rates, improve treatment options, and greatly increase rates of survival. If a woman enrolled in EWL is diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer she may be eligible for Medicaid to pay for treatment. Community members can use this link to find a EWL provider near them.
To be eligible for EWL, a woman must be a Virginia resident between the ages of 18-64, meet federal income guidelines and be uninsured. Women 18-39 must be symptomatic or be determined to be high risk for breast and/or cervical cancer to be eligible.
Community members can visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to locate primary care providers in the Richmond and Henrico area. Community members can visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax for more information on school-required immunizations. For information about RHHD’s clinical health resources and HPV vaccination schedule, call 804-205-3501 or visit rhhd.gov.
RESCHEDULED: Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Free Flu Vaccine Clinic
DANVILLE, Va. – Due to the potential for hazardous winter weather this weekend, the free flu clinic originally scheduled for Saturday, January 11, at the Habitat Restore in Danville has been rescheduled. Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will continue to partner with the Danville-Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity to provide free flu vaccines on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Habitat Restore, 2805 Riverside Drive, Danville. For any questions regarding this rescheduled event, please call (434)766-9887.
This walk-up event offered during the rescheduled date will offer influenza (flu) vaccinations for everyone ages 3 and older. A limited supply of free influenza vaccine will be available for this event on a first-come, first-served basis. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone younger than 18.
The purpose of these exercises is to simulate a mass vaccination event in which the health department and local agencies would work together so community members could be vaccinated efficiently during a time of emergency Near Southwest Medical Reserve Corps volunteers will assist health department staff with this exercise. The vaccine is provided by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Preparedness.
“We’ve already documented cases of influenza this season in the area, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health recommend vaccination each year for everyone 6 months and older,” said Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, director, Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications.”
All persons aged six months or older should be vaccinated against influenza each year. Particular effort should be made to vaccinate people at higher risk for influenza complications, including:
Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
Persons 65 years of age or older, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.
Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.
To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:
Get vaccinated;
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds;
Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand; and
Norfolk Department of Public Health Offers COVID, Flu Vaccination Clinics No Appointment Clinic this Saturday, Weekly Thursday Clinics
NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Department of Public Health is pleased to announce the launch of its weekly COVID and Flu Clinic, providing essential vaccination services to the community every Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. until February 27, 2025 (excluding the third Thursday of the month).
In addition to our weekly clinics, the Norfolk Department of Public Health will be hosting a Walk-In Vaccination Clinic Saturday, November 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event will have COVID, Flu, and RSV vaccinations. Please remember that the RSV vaccine will be available exclusively for adults at this event, while the flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered to both children and adults.
Both the Saturday and the weekly Thursday clinics are located at 830 Southampton Ave. in Norfolk, and welcomes individuals of all ages. No appointment is necessary at either clinic, making it convenient for everyone to receive their vaccinations. Attendees are encouraged to bring their ID and insurance card. For those who are uninsured, a fee of $20.33 may be charged to cover the administration cost.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones against COVID-19 and the flu,” said Norfolk Department of Public Health Director Susan Girois, M.D. “We invite everyone in the community to take advantage of this convenient service and help us keep Norfolk healthy.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 2, 2024 Media Contacts:
VHHA: Julian Walker, Vice President of Communications, jtwalker@vhha.com
VDH: Maria Reppas, Director of Communications, maria.reppas@vdh.virginia.gov
Virginians Encouraged to Get Annual Flu Shot During Event with State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, and Health Care Leaders Influenza Virus Afflicts Tens of Millions of Americans Annually, Resulting in Millions of Medical Visits, Several Hundred Thousand Hospitalizations, Thousands of Fatalities, and a Costly Impact on the U.S. Economy and the Health Care Delivery System
Virginia State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton getting a flu shot.
RICHMOND, VA – Now is the time for Virginians to get their annual influenza shot to protect against illness as cold, flu, and respiratory virus season approaches. That message was shared by Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, and other health care leaders during an event today at the Bon Secours Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living. Through words and deeds, leaders participating in the event encouraged Virginians to receive their seasonal flu shots – several rolled up their sleeves and received a flu shot today as an example to the public. A livestream video of the flu shot event can be viewed online here.
“Getting your annual flu shot is one of the simplest things every Virginian can do to protect themselves and others as the fall respiratory illness season draws near,” said Virginia State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, M.D. “Flu sickens millions of people across the U.S. each year and, in the latest flu season, killed tens of thousands nationally. One quick shot can protect you from the flu and help prevent hospitalization or death. The flu shot is proven safe and effective – get yours as soon as you can for this flu season.”
VHHA President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton, Spotty, Bon Secours – Richmond Market President Mike Lutes, and Dr. Karen Shelton remind you to get your flu shot.
Each year, the flu affects millions of Americans, resulting in doctor visits, hospitalizations, and in some cases, death. Flu season spans October-March. During the 2023-2024 flu season, preliminary estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate there were at least 31 million flu illnesses, 14 million flu-related medical visits, 350,000 flu hospitalizations, and at least 22,000 flu deaths. This flu season, the CDC projects that the fall and winter respiratory illness period could see a similar number of peak hospitalizations compared to last season. In addition to the physical toll of influenza on patients and health care providers, flu season also has a significant financial impact, with one multi-year study showing more than $11 billion in direct medical and indirect economic costs associated with U.S. adults who contract vaccine-preventable illness such as the flu. According to the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia reported 111,940 emergency department and urgent care visits with diagnosed influenza and an estimated 149 influenza-associated deaths, including three pediatric deaths, during the 2023-2024 flu season.
Vaccination can reduce these numbers by providing a layer of defense against severe illness and helping to reduce the spread of illness. Flu season typically runs from the fall through the spring, with peak activity in the winter months. Symptoms of the flu may include fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, and body aches.
“Every year I roll-up my sleeve to get my flu shot,” said Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. “I’m grateful to stand with members of the health care community and show our mutual support for vaccinations that help to protect ourselves and our loved ones from infection. Thank you to all our health care professionals who work around the clock to help people stay healthy.”
“Bon Secours is focused on improving and ensuring the health of our community,” said Mike Lutes, President, Bon Secours Richmond. “With flu season upon us, it’s important that members of our community know that by getting the influenza vaccine and lessening the likelihood of serious illness for themselves, that also lessens the potential burden on area hospitals as well. We encourage members of the community to talk with their trusted medical providers about protecting themselves against the flu.”
“Annual flu shots are a proven, effective way to prevent serious illness and to protect yourself and the people in your household,” added Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) President and CEO Sean T. Connaughton. “Getting a flu shot can also help relieve undue burden on hospitals and health care providers, which often encounter increased patient demand for medical care during flu season. When people get sick, it impacts them, their families, and the broader community. It can cost people lost time at work, lost days at school, or worse. Annual flu shots can help protect against those outcomes. By getting vaccinated, people can do their part to keep communities healthier.”
The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for most Americans six months and older. Flu shots are safe, effective, and widely available. They are often covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Those looking for more information are encouraged to visit this website and enter their zip code to find a convenient flu shot location. The flu shot and COVID-19 booster can be received at the same time. People who need more information about COVID-19 boosters can visit this link.
About VDH: The mission of the Virginia Department of Health is to protect the health and promote the well-being of all people in Virginia. Learn more at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/.
About VHHA: The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association is an alliance of 111 hospitals and 26 health delivery systems that develops and advocates for sound health care policy in the Commonwealth. Its mission is to achieve excellence in both health care and health to make Virginia the healthiest state in the nation. Its vision is through collaboration with members and stakeholders, to ensure the sustainability of Virginia health care system, transform the delivery of care to promote lower costs and high value across the continuum of care, and to improve health for all Virginians. Connect with VHHA through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok , LinkedIn, and YouTube.
About Bon Secours – Richmond Bon Secours – Richmond is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Bon Secours – Richmond provides compassionate medical care through a network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices and ambulatory care sites. As one of Richmond’s largest employers, the not-for-profit health system employs more than 9,000 people, including nearly 420 providers as part of the Bon Secours Medical Group. Bon Secours – Richmond includes St. Mary’s Hospital, Memorial Regional Medical Center, Richmond Community Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, Rappahannock General Hospital, Southside Medical Center, Southern Virginia Medical Center, Westchester Emergency Center, Chester Emergency Center, Short Pump Emergency Center and Southside Emergency Care Center. The mission of Bon Secours is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information visit BonSecours.com.
September 27, 2024 Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker, population health coordinator,
LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000
CUMBERLAND PLATEAU HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE DRIVE-THRU SEASONAL FLU VACCINE
LEBANON, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at two special drive-thru dispensing clinics in the community. The vaccine will be available free to anyone 3 years and older on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Drive-thru clinics are scheduled to be held:
Friday, October 11 – old Magic Mart Shopping Center, 13 Tazewell Mall Circle, Tazewell
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wearing clothing that is loose around the arm will enable the public health nurse to easily give the flu shot in the upper arm. This will prevent you from having to leave the comfort and convenience of your car.
Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.
“Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications. This unique ‘drive-thru’ approach is proven to be a fast and efficient way to vaccinate a large number of folks in a short time,” said Reisa Sloce, director, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health District. “When more people get vaccinated, there is less virus present in the community to potentially infect those who cannot be immunized such as infants under 6 months old; this helps protect everyone from this potentially deadly disease.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the timing and duration of flu seasons vary – they can occur from early fall to late spring. Receiving an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of becoming sick with the flu and spreading the virus to others. It takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection, and the coverage can last for up to a full year.
All persons aged 6 months or older should be vaccinated against influenza each year. Particular effort should be made to vaccinate people at higher risk for influenza complications, including:
Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season;
Persons over 65 years of age, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma;
People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder;
Those who live with people in a high-risk group and healthcare workers ; and
Travelers to countries outside of the U.S. may also need to consider influenza vaccination, even at different times of the year.
For more information, call the Dickenson County Health Department at 276-926-4979; the Tazewell County Health Department at 276-988-5585 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.
