{"id":15409,"date":"2025-08-28T10:35:38","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:35:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=15409"},"modified":"2025-08-28T10:35:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:35:38","slug":"its-not-just-for-kids-rappahannock-rapidan-health-district-encourages-everyone-to-stay-up-to-date-on-immunizations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-regional-news-releases\/its-not-just-for-kids-rappahannock-rapidan-health-district-encourages-everyone-to-stay-up-to-date-on-immunizations\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s Not Just for Kids: Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Encourages Everyone to Stay Up to Date on Immunizations"},"content":{"rendered":"

August 25, 2025
\nMedia Contact<\/strong>: <\/strong>Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>It\u2019s Not Just for Kids: Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Encourages Everyone to Stay Up to Date on Immunizations
\n<\/strong>August is National Immunization Awareness Month<\/em><\/p>\n

WARRENTON, Va. \u2013 Have you ever seen someone with measles or diphtheria? Neither have most doctors practicing in the United States today. Immunization has made these and several other serious diseases rare. However, a decline<\/a> in children receiving immunizations is putting communities at risk again. During National Immunization Awareness Month<\/a>, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is reminding people of all ages that staying up to date on immunizations is essential in protecting individuals and their entire community.<\/p>\n

As families prepare for the new school year it\u2019s important that parents make sure their children are current on all school requirements<\/a> for immunization. In Virginia, vaccines are required for school-aged children entering kindergarten, seventh, and 12th grades. Immunization rates for local schools can be found on the Virginia Student Immunization Status Survey<\/a>. We encourage you to talk to a healthcare provider about your child\u2019s routine immunizations.<\/p>\n

\u201cImmunizations are not just about individual protection; they are about safeguarding our entire community,\u201d said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, MD. \u201cWhen vaccination rates fall, diseases we thought were gone can come back. Every shot keeps our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods healthier and safer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District recommends adults stay up to date on vaccines as well. Adults should talk with their healthcare provider about what is recommended for them based on their age and health.<\/p>\n

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District wants to make sure that no one falls behind on immunization based on lack of access, information, or money. The VDH Call Center, (877) VAX-IN-VA (877) 829-4682 (English, Spanish, 100+ languages), can help:<\/p>\n