Tag: vaccination

Central Shenandoah Health District Holding Spring In-School Vaccine Clinics for Middle and High School Students

March 31, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Holding Spring In-School Vaccine Clinics for Middle and High School Students

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District will be holding in-school vaccine clinics this spring for rising 7th and 12th graders within Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Public School Districts. The 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), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

“We recognize that time is valuable and the closer we get to summer, adults get even busier with vacations and other priorities. We encourage students to get their vaccines sooner rather than later when there can be a rush just before school begins in the fall,” said Xavier Crockett, Health Director of the Central Shenandoah Health District. “To make getting these important vaccines more convenient, CSHD will be hosting in-school vaccination clinics beginning in early April.”

In-school vaccine clinics dates and locations include:

Harrisonburg City Public Schools

  • Harrisonburg High School: April 16
  • Thomas Harrison Middle School: April 22
  • Rocktown High School: April 23
  • Skyline Middle School: April 30

Rockingham County Public Schools

  • Wilbur Pence Middle School: April 8
  • Turner Ashby High School: April 15
  • Broadway High School & J. Frank Middle School: April 20
  • Spotswood High School & Montevideo Middle School: April 24
  • East Rock High School & Elkton Middle School: April 29

Additional schools may be added in the future. Parents are encouraged to visit our website for up-to-date information about the in-school clinic schedule www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/health-services/immunizations/

Only students enrolled in the above listed 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.

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.

To see which vaccines are needed for various age groups, review the AAP Vaccination Schedule.

For more information on vaccines, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/

 

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department Urges Virginians to Get Informed and Vaccinated.

March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department Urges Virginians to Get Informed and Vaccinated
March is National HPV Awareness Month.

WARRENTON, Va. — This month, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department highlights the importance of preventing Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers and diseases through screening, vaccination, and education.

HPV is spread through close and intimate skin-to-skin contact.  Roughly 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime, affecting millions of Americans each year. The HPV virus can cause cervical, throat, anal, and other cancers, but the HPV vaccine is a safe and effective tool to prevent these health issues.

“During National HPV Awareness Month, we encourage everyone in our community to get informed about HPV and the cancers it can cause,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect our children and ourselves. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District urges families to talk with their healthcare provider and stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends HPV vaccination for boys and girls starting at ages 11 to 12. Vaccination can be administered as early as age nine and through age 26 for those who did not get vaccinated earlier. Some adults age 27 and older may choose to get vaccinated, in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Screening for HPV is another safe and effective tool for preventing HPV-related cancer; however, it is not available for all cancers caused by HPV.

  • Women should start getting screened for cervical cancer at age 21. Screening can include HPV and/or Pap
  • A healthcare provider can help determine which screening test is best and how often a woman should get screened.
  • Eligible women can get free screenings through the Every Woman’s Life Program.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department asks all Virginians to:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine for yourself or your children.
  • Schedule an appointment for HPV vaccination if you or your child is eligible and have not yet received it. The HPV vaccine is available for free through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program for eligible children ages nine to 18 years old.
  • Share information about HPV prevention with family, friends, and your community.

Together, we can make HPV-related cancers a thing of the past. Vaccination is a step toward cancer prevention.

For more information about HPV, the vaccine, contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department at www.rrhd.org.

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Central Shenandoah Health District Encourages All Residents to Get Vaccinated for the Flu

October 23, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

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 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. CSHD reported over 2,000 cases of flu last flu season.

“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

October 8, 2025
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov

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.

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Central Shenandoah Health District Holding In-School Spring Vaccination Clinics for Middle and High School Students

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

Additional schools may be added in the future. Parents are encouraged to visit our website for up-to-date information about the in-school clinic schedule www.vdh.virginia.gov/central-shenandoah/health-services/immunizations/

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

Rabies Update in Central Virginia Health District

March 5, 2025
Media Contact: Madison Horacek, madison.horacek@vdh.virginia.gov

Rabies Update in Central Virginia Health District

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.

For more information about rabies, visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/

RHHD & RPS Collaborate to Provide In-School Immunization Clinics

February 4, 2025

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 27, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

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.

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RESCHEDULED: Pittsylvania-Danville Health District Free Flu Vaccine Clinic

January 8, 2025
Media Contact: Chris Garrett, Christopher.garrett@vdh.virginia.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
    • Stay at home when you are sick.

For more information, call the Danville Health Department at 434-766-9828 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/influenza-flu-in-virginia/.

Norfolk Department of Public Health Offers COVID, Flu Vaccination Clinics

November 20, 2024  
Media Contact: Kathy Lamm, KathyLamm@vdh.virginia.gov,  757-799-8699

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.”

Check out this handy chart to determine which respiratory vaccinations are best for you.

For more information, please contact the Norfolk Department of Public Health at (757) 683-2735 or visit our website at NorfolkPublicHealth.com.

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