Tag: vaccinations

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips

Posted on by lindascarborough

September 25, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Rabies Safety Tips
World Rabies Day is September 28

STAUNTON, Va. – World Rabies Day is September 28. The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds you to avoid contact with strays and wild animals. Even though rabies is nearly 100% fatal, it is highly preventable.

Rabies is commonly found in Virginia in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes. This year, 151 animals tested positive with rabies in Virginia. CSHD has had 16 animals test positive for rabies so far in 2025.

“Rabies is a fatal disease,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Vaccinating your pets protects them from other animals that might have rabies. Not only does vaccination prevent your pets from getting rabies, it prevents your pets from biting and spreading the virus to humans.”

Virginia law requirecshs all dogs and cats four months of age and older be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations must be kept current.

To protect yourself and your animals from rabies:

  • Do not feed stray animals. Report them to local animal control authorities by calling 540-332-3842.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. Wild animals are not pets.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals. Instead, report these animals to the Department of Wildlife Resources. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators are another option.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and unfamiliar pets.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Keep wild animals out of your home by capping chimneys with screens. Block openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider before traveling overseas to see if rabies vaccinations are recommended.

Anyone potentially exposed to a rabid animal should notify their healthcare provider immediately. Exposure includes any bites, scratches or contact with saliva.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, do not panic. Wash animal bite wounds thoroughly with soap and water to decrease the chance of infection. Contact your healthcare provider or the Central Shenandoah Health District for further recommendations.

If your pet is attacked or bitten by an animal, contact Staunton Animal Control at 540-332-3842 or the Staunton-Augusta Health Department at 540-332-7830.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control webpage.

RHHD Encourages Vaccinations and Emergency Preparedness

September 15, 2025

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

RHHD Encourages Vaccinations and Emergency Preparedness
September 16 is Get Ready Day

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage you to make appointments for respiratory illness vaccinations and make a plan for emergencies. September is National Preparedness Month and Sept. 16 is Get Ready Day.

“Get Ready Day reminds us of the importance of preparing ourselves, our families, and our communities for infectious diseases, natural disasters, and other emergencies,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry. “Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from diseases like COVID-19 and flu. By getting your annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall, you can make sure to be there for family gatherings and all of the activities taking place around Richmond and Henrico!”

Get ready for respiratory illnesses.

Make a vaccination appointment at a local pharmacy, your primary care provider, or an RHHD clinic. Visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to locate primary care providers that accept private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and patients without insurance.

Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA) providers offer no-cost immunizations to adults who are uninsured or underinsured. Use rhhd.gov/vfa to search for a nearby provider. Virgina Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer no-cost vaccinations to children (younger than 19 years of age) who are uninsured or underinsured; Medicaid-eligible or Medicaid- enrolled; and/or American Indian or Alaska Native. Use rhhd.gov/vfc to search for a nearby provider.

RHHD offers vaccination appointments at its Henrico East (804-652-3190), Henrico West (804-501-4522), and Cary Street (804-205-3500) clinics. Spanish bilingual staff are available at each location. Visit rhhd.gov/flu for more information.

Get ready for emergencies.

“Emergency preparedness starts with a few simple, cost-free steps,” says Ed Porner, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts emergency preparedness and response coordinator. “Talk to your family, gather important information, and find out what your friends and neighbors will need, especially those that might need a little extra help. The more prepared we are as a community, the better we will fare.”

Make sure your plan includes everyone! Consider supporting those in the community that might need your help, like an elderly neighbor or someone with a disability. Don’t forget to plan for your pets!

Ed Porner offers these tips to help your family stay prepared:

  • Prepare your family AND your household. Disasters can happen unexpectedly and without warning. Hurricanes and storms may give us some time to gather things together, but fires, floods, and other disasters could give us only seconds to get to safety. Gather important documents like birth certificates, citizenship papers, or backup medical prescriptions and place them in a secure location close to an exit, preferably in a fireproof box.
  • Talk openly with kids about preparedness. Talk with children often, honestly, and openly about the potential for emergencies while empowering them to take charge of their own preparedness. “Comfort items” for both kids and older adults should be an important part of an emergency kit – think a favorite toy or a keepsake that’s important to that person. Discussions should include procedures for reuniting if separated, trusted people in their lives that they can call, and how to access emergency services if they’re alone. Prepare with Pedro from Ready.gov is a fun resource that families can use to help kids think about preparedness.
  • Meet your neighbors. Planning with your community in mind can help counteract some of the ways way age, income, or disabilities impact someone’s readiness for emergency situations. Have conversations about the needs your neighbors might have and what type of assistance they might need in an emergency.
  • Practice your plan. Turn preparedness into a game like a treasure hunt for emergency kit items, or a car trip around the neighborhood highlighting meeting points of safe areas. Ready.gov has many more ideas.
  • Learn more about preparedness at gov or VDH Severe Weather Preparedness.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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Crater Health District Encourages Back-to-School Vaccinations

August 5, 2025

Media Contacts: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh,virginia.gov  &
Karen Stalzer, Karen.Stalzer@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health District Encourages Back-to-School Vaccinations

PETERSBURG, Va.- The Crater Health District (CHD)-Virginia Department of Health encourages families to make sure children are up to date on recommended vaccines for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. “Back-to-school” season is just around the corner, and CHD will offer all required vaccines for school entry at all health department immunization clinics each week.

Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, 7th grade, and 12th grade. Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses and unnecessary absences from school. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect children and others in our community against vaccine-preventable diseases.

“We invite everyone from CHD to ensure students have the required immunizations so they can start school on time and have a healthy year,” said Crater District Health Director, Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH. “Vaccines have been and remain our strongest tool in the fight to eradicate many childhood diseases. Our CHD staff looks forward to providing important health services needed for school entry. “

Please bring a copy of your child’s vaccination record. You can request a copy of the record here if you do not have one. If you have health insurance, please also bring your insurance card.  Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children program which offers free vaccines to eligible children..

For more information on school immunizations in Virginia, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/. For updated information from CHD including current clinic schedules, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/crater/

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El Distrito Sanitario de Mount Rogers Anuncia Próximas Clínicas de Vacunación Escolar

1 de Agosto, 2025
Contacto para los medios de comunicación: Brianne Kilbourne, Brianne.Kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

El Distrito Sanitario de Mount Rogers Anuncia Próximas Clínicas de Vacunación Escolar

BRISTOL, Va. – A medida que se acerca el año escolar 2025-2026, los Departamentos de Salud de la ciudad de Bristol y condado de Washington desean recordar a los padres y guardianes que todas las vacunas son obligatorias para todos los estudiantes. Encontrará una lista de las vacunas obligatorias aquí.

“Queremos que todos los niños crucen las puertas de la escuela en su primer día listos para aprender, y eso comienza estando al día con las vacunas obligatorias”, dijo la Dra. Meagan Helmick, directora del Distrito de Salud de Mount Rogers. “Para facilitar las cosas a las familias ocupadas, nuestros departamentos de salud ofrecerán horarios extendidos o fuera de las instalaciones en las próximas semanas, incluyendo consultas sin cita previa. No espere más: haga planes para vacunar a su hijo(a) ahora para que pueda comenzar la escuela a tiempo.”

Todos los estudiantes deben presentar prueba de vacunación antes del inicio de clases. Para ayudar a las familias a cumplir con estos requisitos, los Departamentos de Salud de la ciudad de Bristol y el condado de Washington organizarán clínicas de vacunación en las siguientes fechas y lugares:

Virginia Middle School – 501 Piedmont Ave., Bristol, VA 24201

Departamento de Salud de la ciudad de Bristol – 341 Piedmont Ave., Bristol, VA 24201

  • 12 de Agosto, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • 13 de Agosto, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Washington – 15068 Lee Hwy., Suite 1000, Bristol, VA 24202

  • 5 de Agosto, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • 6 y 7 de Agosto, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Las vacunas se proporcionarán sin costo alguno. Las clínicas del departamento de salud tienen disponibilidad limitada para atender sin cita previa, por lo que se recomienda solicitar cita previa. Para programar una cita o si desea más información, comuníquese con el Departamento de Salud de la ciudad de Bristol al (276) 642-7335 o el Departamento de Salud del condado de Washington al (276) 676-5604.

Mount Rogers Health District Announces Upcoming School Vaccination Clinics for Galax City, Carroll County, and Grayson County

August 1, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, Brianne.Kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Announces Upcoming School Vaccination Clinics

GALAX, Va. – As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, the Galax City, Carroll County, and Grayson County Health Departments wants to remind parents and guardians that vaccinations are required for all students. A list of required vaccinations can be found here.

“We want every child to walk through the school doors on their first day ready to learn—and that starts with being up to date on their required vaccines,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Mount Rogers Health District Director. “To make it easier for busy families, our health departments are offering expanded or offsite hours in the coming weeks, including walk-ins. Don’t wait—make a plan to get your child vaccinated now so they can start school on time.”

All students must provide proof of immunization before school starts. To assist families in meeting these requirements, the Galax City, Grayson County, and Carroll County Health Departments will host vaccination clinics on the following dates and locations:

Galax High School, 200 Maroon Tide Dr., Galax

  • August 14, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.,
    (Registration REQUIRED. Register here: Middle | High)

Galax City Health Department – 502 S. Main St., Galax

  • August 12, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Carroll County Health Department – 605-15 Pine St., Hillsville

  • August 4, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • August 6, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Grayson County Health Department – 186 W. Main St., Independence

  • August 11, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • August 12, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Vaccines will be provided at no cost. Clinics at the health department have limited walk-in availability and appointments are strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment or if you want more information, please contact the Galax City Health Department at (276) 236-6127, the Carroll County Health Department at (276) 730-3180, or the Grayson County Health Department at (276) 773-2961.

Mount Rogers Health District Announces Upcoming School Vaccination Clinics for Bristol City and Washington County

August 1, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, Brianne.Kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Announces Upcoming School Vaccination Clinics for Bristol City and Washington County

BRISTOL, Va. – As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, the Bristol City and Washington County Health Departments wants to remind parents and guardians that vaccinations are required for all students. A list of required vaccinations can be found here.

“We want every child to walk through the school doors on their first day ready to learn—and that starts with being up to date on their required vaccines,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Mount Rogers Health District Director. “To make it easier for busy families, our health departments are offering expanded or offsite hours in the coming weeks, including walk-ins. Don’t wait—make a plan to get your child vaccinated now so they can start school on time.”

All students must provide proof of immunization before school starts. To assist families in meeting these requirements, the Bristol City and Washington County Health Departments will host vaccination clinics on the following dates and locations:

Upcoming Clinics at Virginia Middle School – 501 Piedmont Ave., Bristol:

Upcoming Clinics at Bristol City Health Department – 341 Piedmont Ave., Bristol

  • August 12, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • August 13, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Upcoming Clinics at Washington County Health Department – 15068 Lee Highway, Suite 1000, Bristol:

  • August 5, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • August 6 and 7, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Vaccines will be provided at no cost. Clinics at the health department have limited walk-in availability and appointments are strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment or if you want more information, please contact the Bristol City Health Department at (276) 642-7335 or the Washington County Health Department at (276) 676-5604.

Mount Rogers Health District Announces Upcoming School Vaccination Clinics for Smyth, Wythe, and Bland Counties

August 1, 2025
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, Brianne.Kilbourne@vdh.virginia.gov

Mount Rogers Health District Announces Upcoming School Vaccination Clinics for Smyth, Wythe, and Bland Counties

MARION, Va. – As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, the Smyth, Wythe, and Bland County Health Departments wants to remind parents and guardians that vaccinations are required for all students. A list of required vaccinations can be found here.

“We want every child to walk through the school doors on their first day ready to learn—and that starts with being up to date on their required vaccines,” said Dr. Meagan Helmick, Mount Rogers Health District Director. “To make it easier for busy families, our health departments are offering expanded or offsite hours in the coming weeks, including walk-ins. Don’t wait—make a plan to get your child vaccinated now so they can start school on time.”

All students must provide proof of immunization before school starts. To assist families in meeting these requirements, the Smyth, Wythe, and Bland County Health Departments will host vaccination clinics on the following dates and locations:

Smyth County Health Department, 201 Francis Marion Ln., Marion

  • August 4, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • August 6, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • August 7, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Wythe County Health Department, 290 S. 6th St., Wytheville

  • August 6, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • August 8, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Bland County Health Department, 209 Jackson St., Bland

  • August 11, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • August 12, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Vaccines will be provided at no cost. Clinics at the health department have limited walk-in availability and appointments are strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment or if you want more information, please contact the Smyth County Health Department at (276) 781-7460, the Wythe County Health Department at (276) 228-5507, or the Bland County Health Department at (276) 688-3642.

Cumberland Plateau Health District Wants to Make Sure Your Child is Ready for School

August 1, 2025
Media Contact: Michelle McPheron, michelle.mcpheron@vdh.virginia.gov

Cumberland Plateau Health District Wants to Make Sure
Your Child is Ready for School
 Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell Health Departments
Holding Vaccination Clinics

LEBANON, VA. – Setting your kids up for success this school year means making sure they have all the tools they need, including vaccines to protect against preventable diseases such as meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and others. Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell health departments are making it easy to get these required immunizations at a clinic held this month. School and sports physicals appointments are also available.

Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade.

Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school and work saving your family time and money.

“Vaccines are an important tool for keeping our children and communities healthy. School required vaccines are available at all our local health departments. Adolescent school required vaccines for rising 7th graders and rising 12th graders will also be available at the Dickenson County Back to School Bash on August 1,” said Reisa Sloce, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts director.

Vaccines are safe and effective and are your child’s best defense against infectious disease. Measles is a recent example. The highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the year 2000 is experiencing a surge in the U.S. with more than 1,200 cases reported so far this year, including three cases in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations. Vaccines are available through your pediatrician, pharmacies, and all local health departments. You will want to check in advance to see if appointments may be necessary.

Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell health departments offer school-required immunizations free of charge by appointment during regular clinic hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Please be sure to bring a copy of your child’s vaccination record. If you don’t have it, you can request the record here. If you have health insurance, please also bring your insurance card. 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.

For more information, please contact your local health department: Buchanan County: 276-935-4591, Dickenson County: 276-926-4979, Russell County: 276-889-7621, or Tazewell County: 276-988-5585.

Beat the Back-To-School Rush: Get Your Child Immunized ASAP!

July 30, 2025

Media Contact: Brian C. Little, Sr., Central Virginia Region PIO/brian.little@vdh.virginia.gov

Beat the Back-To-School Rush: Get Your Child Immunized ASAP!
Pittsylvania Danville Health Department Holding Vaccination Clinics

DANVILLE, Va. – Setting your kids up for success this school year means making sure they have all the tools they need, including vaccines to protect against preventable diseases such as meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and others.

Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade. Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school and work saving your family time and money.

“Vaccinations help fight against some preventable diseases. I encourage parents to attend one of our clinics and take advantage of this opportunity to prepare their child for school. Together, we can help improve our children’s health” said Pittsylvania/Danville Health District Director Dr. Scott Spillmann.

Vaccines are safe and effective and are your child’s best defense against infectious disease. Measles is a recent example. The highly contagious disease that was declared eliminated in the year 2000 is experiencing a surge in the U.S. with more than 1,200 cases reported so far this year, including some cases in Virginia.

“We must encourage parents and guardians to help public health lessen the burden increasing infectious disease by taking necessary precautions,” said Dr. Spillmann.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations.  Vaccines are available through private physicians, pharmacies, and all local health departments. You will want to check in advance to see if appointments may be necessary.

The Pittsylvania/Danville Health District will offer school-required immunizations free of charge during its normal vaccination clinics as listed below. Call to make an appointment.

Walk-in availability for rising 7th and 12th graders:  

Tuesday, August 5 Danville 1-6pm

Wednesday, August 6 Chatham 1-6pm

Wednesday, August 6 Danville 8:30-11:30am & 1:30-4pm

Friday, August 8 Chatham 8:30-11:30am & 1:30-4pm

Please be sure to bring a copy of your child’s vaccination record. If you don’t have it, you can request the record here.   Supplies may be limited so we encourage parents to respond quickly in order to get their child vaccinated while supplies last.

If you have health insurance, please also bring your insurance card.  Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children program which offers free vaccines to eligible children.

VDH encourages parents to make an appointment as soon as possible to save the stress of trying to find one last minute. You can Locate A VVFC  Provider by simply entering your zip code on the VDH website.

 

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Crater Health District and Prince George County to Host Spring into Great Health Fair

April 4, 2025
Media Contact: Katrina Saphrey, Katrinia.Saphrey@vdh.virginia.gov
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

Crater Health District and Prince George County to Host Spring into Great Health Fair
A Free Community Resource Event

 

PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – The Crater Health District (CHD) and the Virginia Department of Health, in partnership with Prince George County, are excited to announce the Spring into Great Health Fair. The event will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Prince George High School, 7801 Laurel Spring Rd, Prince George, VA 23875. This free event is open to all members of the community and aims to provide health resources and services, along with family-friendly activities.

The Spring into Great Health Fair will offer a variety of on-site health screenings and vaccinations, including hearing, speech, vision, dental, Child Finds (ASQs), 7th & 12th grade immunizations, A1C (glucose) screenings, and blood pressure checks. These services are designed to help individuals take proactive steps toward managing their health and well-being.

“Our CHD staff and Prince George community partners look forward to offering valuable health services and connecting our community to local resources,” said Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv. Crater District Health Director. “This event will feature over 50 vendors, essential health screenings, and resources for everyone in the community. We are committed to promoting healthy living and encourage everyone to join us for a day filled with health, fun, and education.”

“This comprehensive health and resource fair represents our commitment to the well-being of Prince George County residents. By bringing together free health screenings, immunizations, and community resources in one location, we’re making it easier for families to access and prioritize their health,” said Chairman Floyd M. Brown Jr., PG County Board of Supervisors. “Prince George County has always been a welcoming community focused on building a prosperous future for residents, and this collaborative event reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of wellness, ensuring our community has access to the services and information they need to lead healthy lives.”

In addition to the health screenings, the fair will feature many family-friendly activities, over 50 local community resources, food trucks, and grocery giveaways. Free food giveaways are provided by Goodr, Feed More, Waymakers Foundation, and Justin J. Davis Heart Foundation.

For more information, please contact Theresa Caldwell at 804-382-2667, visit the Crater Health District website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/crater, or follow us on Facebook. You may also view the Community Health Assessment here. Visit Prince George County for community partner information.

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