Author: bryanhooten

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – National Immunization Awareness Month reminds us that staying up to date on vaccines is important at every stage of life. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage young adults through age 26 to check their immunization records and catch up on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine if they did not complete the series when they were younger. HPV vaccination provides safe and effective protection against HPV infections that can cause certain types of cancer.

“HPV vaccination is effective cancer prevention, and we want young adults to know that they have not missed their chance to protect themselves,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts’ Acting Director Melissa Viray, M.D. “We encourage adults, especially those 26 and younger, to talk with their healthcare provider about catching up if they haven’t completed their HPV vaccine series.”

What is HPV?

HPV is a common virus that spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. In about 9 out of 10 cases, HPV goes away on its own within two years without causing symptoms or health problems, but some infections persist and can cause genital warts or lead to cancer. HPV is linked to several types of cancer, including cancers of the cervix, anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and back of the throat (oropharynx).
HPV vaccination can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by the virus. It also protects against the types of HPV responsible for most genital warts. The HPV vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection, but it can protect against vaccine-covered strains that a person has not yet encountered.

Who needs the HPV vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination starting at ages 11 or 12. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26 who did not start or finish the HPV vaccine series when they were younger. HPV vaccine recommendation for persons 27–45 years of age is based on shared clinical decision-making with a healthcare provider.

According to data from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), as of Aug. 11, 2026, 49.9% of 18-year-olds in Richmond City and 74.0% of 18-year-olds in Henrico County have completed the HPV vaccine series. Statewide, 64.2% of 18-year-olds have completed the series.

The HPV vaccine is given as either a two- or three- dose series, depending on age at initial vaccination. Young adults who are not sure if they are up to date on the recommended HPV vaccine series should check their immunization records or talk with their healthcare provider.

Checking your immunization records

Virginia residents can securely access, download, and print their available immunization records through VDH’s online portal.

Scheduling a vaccination appointment

Vaccine appointments can be made with a primary care provider, at a local pharmacy, or at an RHHD clinic. Visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to locate primary care providers that accept private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and patients without insurance.

Most insurance plans cover the HPV vaccine at no cost through age 26 when received from an in-network provider. Uninsured or underinsured Virginians may qualify for free vaccines through Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) or Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA). Find a VVFC or VVFA provider near you by visiting vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/provider-locator/.

RHHD offers vaccination appointments for children, adolescents, and adults at its Cary Street (804-205-3500), Henrico East (804-652-3190) and Henrico West (804-501-4001) clinics. Bilingual-in-Spanish staff are available at all locations.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage parents and caregivers to schedule school-required vaccination appointments as soon as possible. Vaccines can be obtained at primary care providers, pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and from RHHD. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to protect children from serious diseases like measles and certain forms of cancer.

“Put vaccinations at the top of your back-to-school list,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Acting Director Melissa Viray, M.D. “Schedule a vaccine appointment today and give your child the best possible start to the school year. Don’t let preventable diseases keep children out of school, sports, and the activities they enjoy.”

The Virginia Childhood Immunization Schedule includes vaccines that protect children from a variety of diseases. Diseases such as measles and human papillomavirus can lead to some of the most serious outcomes.

Measles vaccine

Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. The MMR vaccine is routinely recommended for children in two doses. The first dose is given at 12-15 months, and the second dose is given at 4-6 years. As of Aug. 6, 2026, Virginia has reported 177 cases of measles, including 155 cases in the Central Region. Unvaccinated people accounted for 95% of all measles cases in Virginia in 2026. By comparison, there were five measles cases in Virginia in all of 2025.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is the best way to protect children from developing several forms of cancer later in life. HPV vaccination is routinely recommended at age 11 or 12. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26 who did not start or finish the series earlier.

Virginia school immunization requirements

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade. These vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Virginia residents can securely access their vaccination records through the confidential electronic portal managed by VDH.

Scheduling a vaccination appointment

Families can schedule appointments for school-required vaccines through their primary care provider, local pharmacies, urgent care facilities, community partners, and RHHD clinics. Parents and caregivers can visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax for more information about scheduling childhood vaccine appointments. For help finding a local primary care provider, visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc.

Virginia Vaccines for Children (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. Families can search for a VVFC provider near them by using rhhd.gov/vfc.

RHHD offers vaccination appointments for children and adults at its Cary Street (804-205-3500), Henrico East (804-652-3190) and Henrico West (804-501-4001) clinics. Bilingual-in-Spanish staff are available at all locations.

Visit the school health pages for Richmond Public Schools and Henrico Public Schools for more information.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Aug. 1-7 is WIC National Breastfeeding Week

RICHMOND, Va. – Feeding and nourishing an infant can deepen feelings of love and connection. Many parents also experience challenges when learning to care for the nutritional needs of their child. For new parents, challenges such as returning to work, concerns about feeding their baby, or lack of support can add stress to an already difficult time. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) support pregnant people and new parents through breastfeeding and nutrition services.

“While breastfeeding can be a natural and beautiful experience for parents and children, it is also a learning process,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts’ Director of Community Programming, Margo Webb. “RHHD provides ongoing connection, encouragement, and resources to breastfeeding families during the first years of their child’s life.”

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends that infants be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life whenever possible, with a gradual introduction of solid foods. VDH also recommends that infants continue to be breastfed for the first two years of life and thereafter as long as mutually desired.

Nutritional support through WIC

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at RHHD helps pregnant people, mothers, infants, and young children up to age five stay healthy during critical times of growth. The WIC program offers:

• Quality nutrition education and counseling
• Breastfeeding support, services and supplies
• A healthy food package including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and more
• Referrals to community partners
• Access to prenatal, maternal, and pediatric health care services

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors serve families before and after the delivery of their infants. Peer counselors meet with families in clinics, homes, hospitals, and by phone, depending on local program offerings. Families with questions about breastfeeding can visit the VDH WIC Breastfeeding page.

All families must meet income eligibility guidelines to qualify for WIC benefits. Families who receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF are automatically income-eligible for WIC.

Visit rhhd.gov/wic for more information about services available in Richmond City and Henrico County. Visit fns.usda.gov/wic for more information about the national WIC program.

Virginia breastfeeding law

Virginia law supports breastfeeding parents. Virginia has public breastfeeding laws that protect you in public spaces and on the job. Learn about your rights as a lactating employee at Talking to Your Boss about Your Pump.

Maternity Navigation

RHHD bilingual (English and Spanish) social workers and registered nurses provide maternity case management focused on early access to prenatal care. Henrico County residents can call 804-501-5520 and Richmond City residents can call 804-482-5454 for more information.

For more breastfeeding information, visit the VDH Breastfeeding Resource Page .Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2026

Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond City Health District (RCHD) is notifying community members residing on or near the 300 block of N. 25^th Street of a raccoon that has tested positive for rabies.

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was notified Monday, July 20 that a raccoon acting abnormally interacted with a rabies-vaccinated dog near the 300 block of North 25^th Street. The raccoon also displayed aggressive behavior towards humans in the area. The raccoon was collected by RACC and submitted for testing. Results were positive for rabies. The dog had current rabies vaccination. There are NO confirmed exposures to humans or animals at this time.

Anyone who has information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the Richmond City Health District Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care & Control at 804-646-5573.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

• Do not feed stray animals.
• Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
• Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies, and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
• Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
• Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control web page.

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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.

rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2026

Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond City Health District (RCHD) is notifying community members residing on or near the 8000 block of Charlise Road of a fox that has tested positive for rabies.

Richmond Animal Care & Control (RACC) was notified Sunday, July 19 that a fox attacked a rabies-vaccinated dog near the 8000 block of Charlise Road. The fox was collected by RACC and submitted for testing. Results were positive for rabies. The dog had current rabies vaccination. There are NO known exposures to humans or additional animals at this time.

Anyone who has information regarding any exposure to this animal (bite, scratch, or contact with saliva by open wound or eyes, nose, or mouth) should contact the Richmond City Health District Environmental Health Office at 804-205-3912. Exposures also include direct contact between your pet and the rabid animal. After hours, please contact Richmond Animal Care & Control at 804-646-5573.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind all residents to follow these important rabies prevention guidelines:

• Do not feed stray animals.
• Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
• Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies, and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
• Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
• Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
• Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches.
• Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.

If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound(s) thoroughly with warm soapy water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts.

For more information about rabies, visit the Virginia Department of Health Rabies Control web page.

# # #

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.

rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. — Warmer weather means more opportunities for outdoor fun. Warmer weather can also mean more chances to encounter ticks and mosquitoes. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share tips for protecting yourself and your family from tick and mosquito-related illnesses.

“Mosquitos and ticks each carry many illness-causing viruses and bacteria,” said Richmond and Henrico Epidemiology Supervisor Louise Lockett Gordon “Preventing mosquito and tick habitats and breeding will help reduce bites. Keep outdoor adventures safe and fun this summer by maintaining property, protecting yourself, and seeking care if you or a loved one is bitten.”

Property Maintenance

Ticks live in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas. Richmond City and Henrico County also offer tips to prevent the accumulation of standing water that can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Property maintenance guidelines for Richmond City and Henrico County require that grass and weed growth be restricted to 12 inches.

Ticks

Ticks spread disease by attaching to a host and feeding on its blood. The most common ticks found in Virginia are the Blacklegged tick (or deer tick), Lone Star tick, and American Dog tick.

Tick bites are associated with a number of serious and potentially life-threatening medical problems, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Alpha-gal Syndrome . For information on the number of tick-related illness cases in Virginia, visit the Virginia Reportable Disease Surveillance Dashboard.

RHHD offers the following tips to help you stay safe from tick-related illnesses during the summer months.

• Treat your clothing.
  • Clothes, shoes and camping gear may be treated with a pesticide called permethrin. This treatment with will last on for several months. Dried permethrin spray will remain active after several washes. Be sure to apply it to clothing a few days before use to allow for proper drying. Do not wear clothing that is still wet from permethrin spray.
• Tuck your pants into your socks, especially if you’re headed into a grassy or forested area. Forcing ticks to climb up the outside of your clothing will help you spot and remove ticks and keeps them off your skin.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends products used on children contain no more than 30% DEET.
  • When outdoors in forested tick habitats, use insect repellent containing either DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on skin or clothing. Always follow instructions on the product label.
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol should never be used for children under three years of age.
  • Do not use insect repellent on babies under two months old.
• Make tick checks a habit. Once you’re indoors, inspect yourself and your children for ticks. Inspect gear and pets as well. Tumble dry clothing on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks.
  • Use a mirror, friend, partner, or spouse to help check your body for ticks. Remember to check in armpits, groin area, in and around ears and hairline, belly button, backs of knees, and between legs.
  • Remove ticks the right way. If you find a tick, use tweezers and grip the insect as close to your skin as possible. Pull directly up with steady, even pressure until the tick releases. Do not “squish” the tick. Clean the area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Save the tick in a bag or container with rubbing alcohol for identification in case an illness develops in the days to weeks following a tick bite.
  • Identify the tick. Use the VDH tick identification chart to identify the tick that bit you. It can be helpful to identify any tick that bites you so that if you get sick, you and your care providers have more information.
    • Submit a tick survey. Help VDH better understand our local tick population by saving the tick in a bag or container with rubbing alcohol and submit a tick survey and photo.
• Seek care. If you start feeling sick or develop symptoms like a rash or fever a few days or weeks after a tick bite, make sure to tell your medical provider that you were bitten by a tick.

For more information about identifying ticks and protecting kids and pets, visit VDH’s “Don’t let the tick get you sick” webpage.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the world’s most dangerous spreaders of disease. Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus, Zika virus, and other diseases.

Henrico County has a vector surveillance program that traps pools of mosquitoes to:

• Identify what kind of mosquitoes are breeding in Henrico County and if new mosquito breeds (that can spread other diseases) are emerging in the area.
• Test pools for West Nile Virus.

The Asian Tiger, Northern house and white-dotted mosquitoes are the most frequently caught species in the area. These can spread West Nile Virus.

How to prevent mosquito habitats on your property

• Dump standing water. Some mosquitoes lay eggs in containers of water, even as small as a bottle cap.
  • Dump water that collects in containers such as wading pools, bird baths and flowerpots each week.
  • Wash out containers each week before refilling them with clean water.
  • Cover or store boats or buckets upside down to prevent water from collecting.
• Containers that cannot be dumped or drained should be regularly treated with mosquito larvicide dunks.
  • Follow instructions on the package for correct use.

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes

• Mosquitoes are most active during dawn, dusk and nighttime hours but they can bite you at any time.
  • Wear loose-fitting and light-colored long sleeves and pants and limit the amount of exposed skin when you’re outside in areas where mosquitoes may be active.
  • Consider wearing mosquito repellents on bare arms, legs, neck, and other exposed areas of skin.
• Do not sleep with windows open unless they are well-screened.
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on your skin or clothing that contains one of the following:
  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • IR 3535
  • 2-undecanone
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus
• When using insect repellant on children, keep the following in mind:
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using products containing no greater than 30% DEET on children.
  • Do not use insect repellent on babies under two months of age.
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol should never be used on children under three years of age.

Please visit the Virginia Department of Health website for more information on mosquitoes and mosquito-related illnesses.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) announce that Deputy Director Melissa Viray, M.D., is serving as acting health director. Dr. Viray steps in for Elaine Perry, M.D., who now serves as chief deputy commissioner for Community Health Services. Dr. Perry joined RHHD as health director in July 2022 and became Central Region health director in Oct. 2024.

Dr. Viray became RHHD’s deputy director in March 2017 and served as acting director for 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to RHHD, she was the deputy state epidemiologist for the Hawaii Department of Health and previously worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an epidemic intelligence service officer.

Dr. Viray completed her adult infectious diseases fellowship at Washington University, her internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and her medical education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RICHMOND, Va. – A dangerous heat wave is expected over the Fourth of July weekend, and the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are reminding everyone to take extra care while celebrating. High temperatures, holiday cookouts, and water fun can increase the risk of heat illness, foodborne illness, and injuries. Simple steps such as staying cool, handling food safely, grilling with caution, and watching children closely at the pool can help keep families safe during the holiday.

“Our communities could see record-high temperatures in the coming days, so we urge you to take precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy as we’re enjoying this weekend’s celebrations,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Acting Director Melissa Viray. “Here are some Independence Day safety tips to keep in mind.”

Heat Safety

Extreme heat can be deadly. High temperatures and humidity can put you at risk of heat-related illness. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Be aware of the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

When you are spending time outdoors in the heat, it is important to remember these tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, not just when you are thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks.
• Slow down and limit outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hottest time of day. Take breaks in the shade. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.
• Spend time indoors with air conditioning and fans. If you don’t have air conditioning, visit a cooling center. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.

Food Safety

During the summer months, food poisoning is another concern due to warmer temperatures. Each year, 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food. Food poisoning symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Keep yourself, guests and food safe by following these safety tips:

• Thaw and marinate food in the refrigerator. Cook food to a safe internal temperature. Store cooked food in a hot holding area (like an insulated container).
• Keep food cold with ice packs. Don’t let food sit out for more than two hours, or for one hour if the temperatures are higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Don’t cross-contaminate. Wash fresh produce before cutting. Use clean utensils and wash/sanitize in between use. Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to avoid meat juices from dripping on other food. Wash your hands before, during and after handling food.

Grilling Safety

Grilling is a popular way to prepare food throughout the summer, but it can present some hazards. July is the most common month for grill fires. Take these steps to ensure proper safety measures are followed:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Never grill indoors, that includes in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone but the cook stays away from the grill, including children and pets.
• Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.

Water Safety

Pools, beaches, lakes and rivers can provide hours of enjoyment for adults and children. But many dangers exist around water. Everyone needs to be aware and take the necessary precautions to avoid potential injury or death.

• Constantly supervise children around water and avoid distractions. If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers.
• Designate a water watcher whose sole responsibility is to oversee the activity in the water.
• Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, especially children and non-experienced swimmers. Do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Don’t swim alone and only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Reach or throw an object to the person in trouble in the event of an emergency. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.

For additional information on healthy and safe swimming, visit swimhealthyva.com. For more Independence Day safety tips, visit rhhd.gov and follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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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.