Tag: vaccinations

West Piedmont Health District Offering Back-to-School Immunization Clinics

July 20, 2026
Media Contact: Sharon Ortiz-García, sharon.ortiz-garcia@vdh.virginia.gov, 276-403-8394

West Piedmont Health District Offering Back-to-School Immunization Clinics
Parents and Caregivers Encouraged to Avoid the Summer Rush

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

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

Vaccines are safe and effective. Immunizations are the best defense against infectious disease. Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school. Vaccines are available through pediatrician offices, pharmacies, and all local health departments.

The West Piedmont Health District will provide back-to-school vaccinations for all pre-school, Headstart, rising Kindergarteners, 7th through 12th graders.

You may contact your local health department for more information on clinic availability.

Franklin County Health Department – (540) 484-0292, 365 Pell Ave, Rocky Mount, VA 24151

Henry-Martinsville Health Department – (276) 638-2311, 395 Commonwealth Blvd, Martinsville, VA 24112

Patrick County Health Department – (276) 693-2070, 106 Rucker St, Ste 123, Stuart, VA 24171

Vaccines will be given on a first-come, first-served basis with supplies limited. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

A copy of the child’s vaccination record is required at time of vaccine administration. If it is not readily available, a copy of the record can be requested through the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) if vaccinated in Virginia. If the child was vaccinated in another state or country, you must provide a copy of the record.

If you have health insurance, please bring your insurance card or Medicaid card if applicable.

Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program which offers free vaccines to eligible children. You can Locate A VVFC Provider by zip code.

VDH encourages parents to contact their local health department or pediatric office as soon as possible to save the stress of trying to get required vaccinations at the last minute, potentially missing the first day of school.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program which offers free vaccines to eligible children. You can Locate A VVFC Provider by zip code.

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

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

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Norfolk Health Department Encourages Eligible Residents to Enroll in Cardinal Care Medicaid and FAMIS Programs and Plan Ahead for Back-to-School Vaccinations

July 1, 2026

Media Contact: Kathy Lamm, Kathy.Lamm@vdh.virginia.gov
757- 236-0529

 

Norfolk Health Department Encourages Eligible Residents to Enroll in Cardinal Care Medicaid and FAMIS Programs and Plan Ahead for Back-to-School Vaccinations

NORFOLK, Va.  – The Norfolk Department of Public Health is reminding residents that free and low-cost health coverage is available through Virginia’s Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) programs, jointly called Cardinal Care. As summer gets underway, the department is also encouraging all families to act now on back-to-school physicals and vaccinations — because it is never too early to make sure your child is protected and ready for the school year ahead.

Get Covered with Cardinal Care Medicaid and FAMIS

Cardinal Care provides comprehensive, affordable healthcare coverage to eligible children, pregnant women, and adults throughout Virginia. Many families who qualify may not realize help is available — and the application process is open year-round.

Coverage includes:

  • Routine and preventive care
  • Emergency care and hospitalizations
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health services
  • Prenatal and doula services
  • Dental care and vision services

Most participants pay nothing for their coverage or care.

“For families who may qualify, Cardinal Care offers comprehensive coverage at no cost — and we encourage you to reach out and find out if you are eligible. We also want to remind all Norfolk families that summer is the perfect time to get ahead on back-to-school vaccinations so your children can start the year healthy, protected, and ready to learn,” said Dr. Susan Girois, district health director of the Norfolk Department of Public Health.

To find out if you or your family qualify for Cardinal Care Medicaid or FAMIS and to complete a free application, please call or text our Project Connect application assister, Lavenia Woodhouse, at 757- 285-7841. You can also visit our website at NorfolkPublicHealth.com.

Note that there will be some federal requirements for adults enrolled in Cardinal Care starting in late 2026. For more information on these changes, please visit the Department of Medical Assistance Services.

Project Connect is supported by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services in partnership with the Virginia Health Care Foundation.

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/

 

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.