RICHMOND, VA — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) celebrate distribution of 945 doses of school-required immunizations for 714 middle and high school aged children at 27 events in Richmond and Henrico public schools. RHHD began its Spring 2024 immunizations effort in February and will support more events into the late spring and summer. Students received vaccinations for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) and Meningitis (MenACWY). RHHD nurses coordinated with and provided support to Richmond and Henrico public school nursing staff for these in-school events.
“We’ve really hit the ground running this spring,” said Ashley Lancaster, RHHD Public Health Nurse Supervisor. “We’ve gotten an earlier start this year, which means more students will be ready for the 2024-2025 school year on day one. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with RPS and HCPS school nurses and school administration, ensuring that students receive these important vaccines.”
“RPS is excited to get every family ready for the first day of school, and to expand our wraparound support as a means to eliminate barriers,” said RPS Chief Wellness Officer, Renesha Parks. “We’re grateful for the RHHD’s partnership in making this happen and all of the RPS nurses and support staff who remain committed to student health and wellness.”
“This jump-start on immunizations is a game-changer for many of our students,” said Dr. Amy Cashwell, HCPS Superintendent. “It not only addresses student health needs but also helps reduce absenteeism by ensuring students aren’t delayed in enrolling or attending school because of missing vaccinations.
In addition to receiving immunizations at in-school events, families without insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can schedule appointments at an RHHD clinic by calling (804) 205-3501 and can find more information at rhhd.gov/childhoodvax. The Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides free vaccines for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid-enrolled children. Families can search for a nearby VFC provider using this tool rhhd.gov/vfc.
Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their primary care physician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners and can learn more by visiting rhhd.gov/childhoodvax-partners.
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities.
Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.
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Richmond Public Schools’ Health Services Department provides student-centered wellness in an effort to keep students in school
and ready to learn. Medical supervision and services are provided with daily assessments and management of student health needs.
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Henrico County Public Schools, an innovative leader in educational excellence, will actively engage our students in diverse
educational, social and civic learning experiences that inspire and empower them to become contributing citizens.
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