{"id":17762,"date":"2026-03-19T18:14:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T22:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=17762"},"modified":"2026-03-27T09:58:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T13:58:41","slug":"rhhd-encourages-parents-and-guardians-to-schedule-primary-care-appointments-for-children-before-summer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-regional-news-releases\/rhhd-encourages-parents-and-guardians-to-schedule-primary-care-appointments-for-children-before-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"RHHD Encourages Parents and Guardians to Schedule Primary Care Appointments for Children Before Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

March 19, 2026
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

RHHD Encourages Parents and Guardians to Schedule Primary Care Appointments for Children Before Summer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>RICHMOND, Va. <\/strong>\u2014 The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage families to schedule a wellness visit for children with their primary care provider before the summer months. These visits allow children to receive school-required immunizations and physicals before summer travel and activities.<\/p>\n

Vaccines provide essential protection against serious diseases that can affect children. As of March 19, 2026, Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has already reported 14 cases of measles<\/a>. VDH reported five cases of measles in all of 2025. A safe and effective vaccine that prevents measles is given as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine series.<\/p>\n

Families can schedule appointments with a primary care physician or one of RHHD\u2019s community partners. RHHD provides resources for families on Medicaid, Medicare, or who are uninsured at rhhd.gov\/connect-pc<\/a>. Please visit RHHD\u2019s School Health Hub<\/a>, Richmond Public Schools<\/a>, or Henrico County Public Schools<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

“Spring is a great time for your child to see their primary care provider for a wellness visit,\u201d said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. \u201cA primary care provider will make sure your child gets the immunizations and physicals they need for school and sports. Taking care of these important visits now means kids will have more time for summer fun and will be ready for school in the fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

School-Required Immunizations<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrollment. The Code of Virginia also requires specific vaccinations for rising seventh<\/a> and 12th<\/sup> graders<\/a>. According to data from VDH<\/a>, vaccination rates for Richmond City and Henrico County 13-year-olds are lower than Virginia statewide rates for the following vaccines:<\/p>\n