{"id":16455,"date":"2025-12-03T11:11:25","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T16:11:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=16455"},"modified":"2025-12-03T12:41:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T17:41:37","slug":"rhhd-encourages-community-members-to-get-vaccinated-for-flu-and-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-regional-news-releases\/rhhd-encourages-community-members-to-get-vaccinated-for-flu-and-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"RHHD Encourages Community Members to Get Vaccinated for Flu and COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"

December 3, 2025
\nMedia Contact: <\/strong>Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

RHHD Encourages Community Members to Get Vaccinated for Flu and COVID-19<\/strong><\/p>\n

RICHMOND, Va. \u2013 With the 2025-26 respiratory virus season officially underway, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage everyone six months and older who lives, works, or plays in our community to receive their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines.<\/p>\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a severe 2024-25 flu season with record high hospitalization rate<\/a> in the U.S and the highest number of pediatric deaths<\/a> during a regular, non-pandemic season. Last season, Virginia reported<\/a> six influenza-associated pediatric deaths and 366 influenza outbreaks.<\/p>\n

Vaccination Rates<\/strong><\/p>\n

Current local vaccination rates for flu and COVID-19 are lower than they have been in previous years. As of Dec. 2, 2025, 19.6 percent of Richmond City residents and 23.3 percent of Henrico County residents have received the 2025-2026 flu vaccine. Only 7.8 percent of Richmond City and 7.7 percent of Henrico County residents have received the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine.<\/p>\n

By Dec. 2, 2024, 19.7 percent of Richmond City residents and 25.7 percent of Henrico County residents had received the flu vaccine. During the same time period, 10 percent of Richmond residents and 11 percent of Henrico residents had received the COVID-19 vaccine.<\/p>\n

\u201cVaccines are the best tool we have for preventing infection from flu and COVID-19,\u201d said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Unfortunately, we are seeing fewer people get these safe and effective vaccines than in years past. Vaccines can protect you and your community from severe illness, hospitalization, and death as respiratory virus activity increases in the colder months. Just like we\u2019ve seen with viruses like measles, more vaccinations mean reduced transmission, fewer outbreaks, and more time with friends and family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Where to Get Vaccines<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 at a local pharmacy or your primary care provider<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Virginia Vaccines for Children<\/a> (VVFC) providers offer no-cost vaccines 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. Search for a VVFC provider near you by using rhhd.gov\/vfc<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA) providers offer no-cost vaccinations to adults who are uninsured or underinsured. People receiving VVFA vaccinations may be required to pay an admin fee, usually between $10 and $20. Search for a VVFA provider near you by using rhhd.gov\/vfa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Respiratory Virus Season<\/strong><\/p>\n

Flu season, the period of highest virus activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. While seasonal outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, activity peaks in January or February. COVID-19 spreads year-round but tends to be more common in the fall and winter.<\/p>\n

People need flu and COVID-19 vaccines for two reasons. First, the body\u2019s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because these viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of these vaccines is reviewed each year and updated to target changing viruses.<\/p>\n

As long as these viruses are circulating, it\u2019s not too late to get your vaccines.<\/p>\n

COVID-19 and Influenza Viruses<\/strong><\/p>\n

Influenza<\/a> and COVID-19<\/a> are serious diseases caused by viruses that affects the respiratory tract. These viruses generally spread from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These viruses can be transmitted even before symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick with flu one to three days following exposure to the virus. A person usually becomes sick with COVID-19 two to 14 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. Typical COVID-19 symptoms include fever, chills, cough, loss of taste or smell, severe fatigue, headaches, body aches, and sore throat.<\/p>\n

How to Protect Yourself and Others<\/strong><\/p>\n

To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting these viruses, follow these simple steps:<\/p>\n