Category: pr

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share tips for preventing tick-related illness.

Ticks are arachnids, like scorpions, spiders, and mites. All ticks have four pairs of legs as adults and have no antennae. Ticks spread disease by attaching to a host and feeding on its blood. Ticks live in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas. Ticks are common in Virginia and can be active on warm days at all times of the year due to suburbanization, the abundance of deer in suburban forests, climate change, and land development.

“Tick bites can cause a number of potentially serious illnesses,” said Richmond and Henrico Deputy Director Melissa Viray, M.D. “Knowing where ticks live and how to protect yourself and your family can keep outdoor adventures safe and fun this summer.”

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

• Prepare your clothing a few days before going outside in grassy, bushy, or wooded areas where ticks are common.
  • Treat clothing ahead of time with permethrin. This treatment with will last on clothing, socks, and shoes 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. Ticks will die before they can bite you if they come in contact with permethrin-coated shoes, socks and pants.

• 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 before they can reach your upper body. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on your skin. If you’re adventuring with kids, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that their insect repellent contains 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 your clothing and body for ticks. Make sure to inspect children’s clothing and bodies if they cannot do so themselves. 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.

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

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

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov, and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members who may be at risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to seek testing. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can also spread through injection drug use. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) everyone ages 13 – 64 should get tested HIV at least once. People with certain risk factors should get tested more often. National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is June 27

“National HIV Testing Day is the perfect moment to begin or renew your commitment to yourself and your health,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts STI/HIV Prevention Supervisor Stephanie Mbengue. “It’s up to each of us to be the best stewards of our sexual health. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts and our community partners are here for you every step of the way.”

Community members can receive HIV testing from their physician as part of regular appointments or from local health departments, pharmacies, and community organizations. Virginia residents can search for a testing facility near them at rhhd.gov/VA-HIV-testing. 

STI/HIV services at RHHD clinics:
RHHD offers clinic-based STI screening and HIV testing appointments at its Cary St., Henrico East, and Henrico West clinics. Call 804-205-3500 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to set up an appointment. Appointment times vary by location and are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no walk-in appointments available. Fees may apply.

Other HIV services include RHHD’s pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program. PrEP is a medication that reduces a person’s chances of contracting HIV. Virginia residents who want to know if PrEP is right for them should call the RHHD PrEP team at 804-482-5493 and leave a voicemail. The team will return voicemails within two business days. RHHD offers direct PrEP services at its Henrico East and Cary St. clinics.

Community members may also seek out HIV in-person screening, along with a variety of other services, at RHHD clinics in Mosby, Gilpin, and Southwood Resource Centers.

Services available through RHHD partners:
Virginia residents can request a free at-home HIV testing kit by mail through this form: rhhd.gov/HIVhometest. For more information about HIV testing in Virginia, please visit rhhd.gov/VDH-HIV-info.

The following RHHD community partners also offer STI and HIV testing services:

• Nationz Foundation: 804-716-7597
• Minority Health Consortium: 804-225-0820
• Health Brigade: 804-358-6343 ext. 2145

RHHD Ryan White Referral for Healthcare & Support Services and Outreach Services ended May 16, 2025, due to losses of state and federal funding. These services were provided by the federal Ryan White program, which includes low-cost or free HIV medical care, HIV medication access, and other support services for low income or underinsured individuals living with HIV. People can visit VDH HIV Care Services website to learn more about available programs in Virginia.

The following local agencies provide Ryan White Part B navigation and/or outreach services:

• Health Brigade: 804-358-6343 ext. 2145
• Minority Health Consortium: 804-225-0820

The following local agencies provide Ryan White Part B medical care and support services in addition to navigation and/or outreach services.

• Daily Planet Health Services 804-783-2505 ext. 1424
• Nationz Foundation: 804-716-7597
• VCU Health Ryan White Program 804-828-0259

Some Ryan White clients (those who are at or below 138% of the federal poverty level) will be eligible for Medicaid. Ryan White clients can contact Benalytics to get assistance with Medicaid enrollment at 855-483-4647. Clients may also call the Cover Virginia Call Center at 855-242-8282.

People living with HIV needing support from the Virginia Medication Assistance Program (VAMAP) can call 855-362-0658.

Data from 2023 show that Richmond City and Henrico County had the second and third highest rates of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people (respectively, by health district) in Virginia.

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov, and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage families to schedule a wellness visit for children with their primary care provider during the summer months. These visits allow children to receive school-required immunizations and physicals ahead of the back-to-school season.

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

“Summer is a great time for your child to see their primary care provider for a wellness visit,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Community Health Nurse Supervisor Virginia Slattum. “A primary care provider will make sure your child gets the immunizations and physicals they need for school and sports. Appointments may be limited closer to the start of school. Taking care of these important visits now means kids will be ready for the school year and will have more time for late-summer fun!”

School-Required Immunizations
The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrollment. Parents and guardians can view the Virginia childhood vaccine schedule and can find more information on the web at School and Day Care Minimum Immunization Requirements.

The Virginia Vaccines for Children Program (VVFC) provides free or low-cost 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. Families can learn more by visiting rhhd.gov/childhoodvax-partners.

Families without insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can schedule appointments at an RHHD clinic by calling 804-205-3500 and can find more information at rhhd.gov/childhoodvax. Students must bring a guardian, a copy of immunization records, and an insurance card if they have one.

School and Sports Physicals Requirements

The Code of Virginia requires children to have a school physical before starting public kindergarten or enrolling in elementary school for the first time. During a physical, a doctor can:

• Identify potential health issues that could impact kids’ learning
• Ensure kids have the immunizations they need
• Promote healthy habits

Virginia middle- and high-school student athletes must complete a sports physical with a health care professional and give pages 1-3 of the Virginia High School League (VHSL) sports physical form to their school to be allowed to participate in VHSL sports. A sports physical can help student athletes identify and manage health problems that might affect their performance or increase their chances of being injured. The physical form expires 14 months from the date of the healthcare provider’s signature on the medical eligibility page

Most insurance plans cover sports physicals if they are done at the same time as an annual wellness visit. Some insurance plans may cover a separate visit for a sports physical. All Virginia Medicaid Managed Care plans cover separate sports physicals. Ask about the cost when you are making the appointment.

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov, and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 6, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to take steps to prevent firearm injury and death by practicing firearm safety. June 6 is National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

“Gun violence is a public health crisis that affects too many families in our communities,” said Tamara Jones-Groves, population health manager at Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. “National Gun Violence Awareness Day is a time to raise awareness, share practical safety tips, and remind everyone that secure firearm storage can save lives. We all have a role to play in preventing tragedy whether through safe storage, open conversations with our children, or community support for those impacted.”

RHHD encourages community members to take the following steps to secure firearms and prevent firearm injury and death.

Firearm Safety Tips:

• Store firearms unloaded and locked with a firearm safe, locked box, trigger or
  chamber lock.
• Store and lock ammunition in a separate place from your firearms.
• Remove firearms from your home if you have a depressed or suicidal family member

Firearm Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers:

• Before you send your child to someone’s house,
  • Ask if firearms in the home are stored unloaded and locked.
  • Ask if the ammunition is stored separately.
  • Ask if there are shotguns and rifles in the home too, not just handguns.
  • Invite the children to play at your home if you have doubts about the
    safety of someone else’s home.

• Talk to your child about risk.
• • Talk with your children about the risk of firearm injury in places where they visit or play.
  • Teach your child that if they find a firearm, they should leave it alone and tell an adult right away.
  • Teach your child that if another child shows them a weapon, they should leave the room and immediately and tell an adult.

According to VDH Firearm Injury and Death data, in 2024 there were 361 Emergency Department Visits by Richmond residents for firearm injury – up from 283 visits in 2023. There were 71 firearm deaths in Richmond city in 2023 – up from 64 in 2022. During the years 2019 – 2023, 246 (74%) of these deaths were homicides and 81 (24%) were suicides.

In 2024 there were 115 Emergency Department Visits by Henrico County residents for firearm injury – down from 118 visits in 2023. There were 43 firearm deaths in Henrico County in 2023 – down from 61 in 2022. During the years 2019 – 2023, 122 (51%) of these deaths were homicides and 111 (46%) were suicides.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Trauma Healing Response Network
RHHD serves as the Operating Agent for the Trauma Healing Response Network (THRN) and coordinates the THRN as part of an overall gun violence prevention program. RHHD’s Violence Prevention Program Manager and Trauma Healing Response Network Coordinator identify THRN partner organizations, determine funding allocations for THRN partners based on activities and services they provide to impacted families, liaise with schools where families impacted by gun violence attend, and manage THRN data collection and evaluation.

THRN supports three critical pillars of the City of Richmond’s Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention Framework:

• Crisis intervention & wrap around services
• Intensive case management
• Credible messengers

• Provided more than 3,490 Community Wellness Checks
• Reached more than 8,741 Richmond residents
• Provided $36,450 in emergency funds disbursed directly to support impacted families
• Provided 16 families with emergency housing relocation support
• Provided four families with permanent relocation support
• Intervened in 26 (calendar year 2024) and 11 (calendar year 2025 to date) cases at high risk for retaliation-related events

Community members can learn more about the THRN by visiting their Instagram and Facebook pages. For more information on the RHHD Youth Violence Prevention Program, contact Lorraine Wright at lorraine.wright@vdh.virginia.gov or call 804-482-8016.

National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 6 and marks the start of Wear Orange Weekend, June 6 – 8.

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov, and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) share tips for preventing and recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.

“The greater Richmond region is experiencing longer, hotter summers and more severe heat waves due to climate change,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Built Environment Policy Analyst Peter Braun. “Whether you work outdoors, enjoy exercising at your local park, or ride the bus to get around, it is important to know how to protect your health from extreme heat.”

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two to three days. During periods of extreme heat, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature because evaporation of sweat is slowed.

RHHD shares the following information that can help community members stay cool during extreme heat and recognize when they or someone else is showing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

What to do during an extreme heat event

• Check the National Weather Service HeatRisk map daily.
• Spend time in air-conditioned places.
• Check on older, sick or disabled people.
• Drink water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated or sugary drinks.
• Know the symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do.
• Minimize sun exposure and wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or above).
• Eat light, cool, and easy-to-digest foods.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes.
• Check local weather and news for heat alerts.
• Use a fan to provide comfort when temperatures are below 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Don’t leave children, pets, or persons with mobility challenges alone in cars for any amount of time.
• Don’t exercise outdoors during the hottest parts of the day (12 – 4 p.m.).
• Talk to your doctor about medications that interfere with temperature regulation.

Recognize the signs of Heat Related Illness

• Signs of Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt from sweating during hot temperatures. The elderly, people who work outside, and people with high blood pressure are most at risk of heat exhaustion. Continued exposure may lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening.
  • Feeling faint or dizzy
  • Excessive seating
  • Cool, pale, clammy skin,
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid, weak pulse

  • Muscle cramps

• Signs of Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or by doing physical activity in hot weather. Body temperatures can reach as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit in 15 minutes. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition, and you should seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke.
  • Throbbing headache
  • No sweating
  • Body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Red, hot, dry skin
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid, strong pulse

  • Loss of consciousness

• Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy physical activity in hot environments. Muscles most often affected include those of your calves, arms, abdominal wall and back. If you are suffering from heat cramps, rest for several hours and drink clear juice or an electrolyte-containing sports drink.

• How to cool yourself or someone else:
  • Get to a cooler, air-conditioned place
  • Drink water if you or they are fully conscious
  • Take a cool shower or use a cool compress.

The City of Richmond offers cooling refuge at the following locations. Visit rva.gov/human-services/inclement-weather for more information.

• Monday – Saturday
  • Department of Social Services – Marshall Plaza
    900 E. Marshall St., Suite 160
    11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• • Department of Social Services – Southside Plaza
    4100 Hull Street Road
    11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Monday – Sunday (hours vary)
  • Richmond Public Libraries

When temperatures rise to 92 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the City of Richmond activates a daily walk-up Inclement Weather Shelter from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23222. Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) bus service is zero-fare this summer and all GRTC buses are air-conditioned.

Henrico County provides cooling refuge at several recreation centers and at all Henrico Public Libraries.

Follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and Facebook. For more health and safety information, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

Hepatitis Testing Day is May 19

RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members to get tested for hepatitis. All adults 18 years and older should be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime. Pregnant people should get tested during each pregnancy. Hepatitis Testing Day is May 19.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can affect liver function and can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the U.S., the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

“For many people, getting tested is the only way to know you have hepatitis B or C – diseases that can have serious consequences for your overall health and can spread to those close to you,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Deputy Director Melissa Viray, M.D. “The good news is that we have safe and effective vaccines and/or treatments for the most commonly seen types of viral hepatitis.”

Symptoms of all types of viral hepatitis are similar and can include one or more of the following:

• Dark urine or clay-colored stools
• Diarrhea (hepatitis A only)
• Feeling tired
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, stomach pain, throwing up
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)

Symptoms of chronic viral hepatitis can take decades to develop.

Individuals can reduce their risk of getting sick by taking the following precautions:

• Get tested – all adults 18 years and older should be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once in their lifetime. Pregnant people should get tested during each pregnancy.
• Avoid sharing or reusing needles, syringes or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs, steroids, hormones, or other substances.
• Avoid using personal items that may have come into contact with an infected person’s blood, even in amounts too small to see, such as glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes.
• Avoid getting tattoos or body piercings from an unlicensed facility or in an informal setting.

Individuals can receive vaccines for hepatitis A and B and can be screened for hepatitis B or C at their health care provider or at any of RHHD’s clinic locations. For more information about RHHD clinical services and to schedule an appointment, call 804-205-3500. Individuals can also find a testing site at the following link: CDC testing site locator. People who haven’t yet been screened for viral hepatitis or who are at additional risk for contracting the Hepatitis B or C should consult a medical provider about testing options.

Many people who become infected with hepatitis B or C do not experience symptoms and are unaware that they have the virus. CDC advises that for hepatitis C there are oral medications (pills) available called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that are easy to take, have very few side effects, and cure more than 95% of people in just 8–12 weeks.

Viral hepatitis can spread from a birthing parent to the infant. Infants born with a Hepatitis B infection have a 90% chance of developing a chronic version of the disease. If a pregnant person tests positive for Hepatitis B, their medical team can prepare to reduce the chance of the virus passing to the baby

According to VDH data on communicable diseases, hepatitis C and B are in the top five most reported conditions in Virginia (excluding COVID-19) over the last five years. In Virginia, students are required to complete the hepatitis A and the hepatitis B vaccination series as part of routine school immunizations. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

For more health and safety information, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

May is American Stroke Month
RICHMOND, Va. —Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourages community members to learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Strokes happen when something blocks blood flow to the brain or a blood vessel in the brain bursts—it’s sometimes called a “brain attack” for this reason. Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in Virginia (behind cancer, heart disease, and accidents). May is American Stroke Month.

“Awareness of stroke symptoms can save lives,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Dr. Elaine Perry. “Every minute counts after a stroke, and the sooner someone gets medical care, the better chance they have of recovery.”

People experiencing a stroke need quick, professional medical care. The most important step you can take to help is calling 911 as soon as you spot the signs and symptoms of a stroke. RHHD recommends this helpful phrase for remembering the signs and symptoms of a stroke: BE FAST.

• Balance (loss of balance, headaches, or dizziness)
• Eyes (blurred vision)
• Face (one side of the face drooping)
• Arm (arm or leg weakness)
• Speaking (speech difficulty)
• Time (call 911 immediately)

Not every person experiencing a stroke will demonstrate all these symptoms, so community members should call 911 if they spot any of these symptoms. For more resources, please visit rhhd.gov/stroke-smart.

Follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook for more American Stroke Month content. For more health and safety information, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.>

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourages community members with asthma to talk to their doctor about keeping an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan. A child’s up-to-date Asthma Action Plan should be shared with their caregivers and summer camp staff. Individuals with asthma or asthma-like symptoms, including chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, and/or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, should talk to a physician. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

“One of the most useful steps families can take to promote asthma health is to make sure you have an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan to share with caregivers and school, or summer camp staff,” says Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Childhood Health Coordinator Becca Bruhl. “An asthma action plan gives kids, caregivers, and school staff a step-by-step guide to manage symptoms, avoid triggers, and know exactly what to do in an emergency. It’s a vital tool for keeping children healthy, active, and in school.”

Richmond is considered an Asthma Capital according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. The Richmond region also ranks 8th on the list of most challenging places to live with seasonal allergies.

Here are some steps community members can take to help manage asthma for themselves and their families during the summer months.

• Make an appointment with your doctor and your child’s doctor over the summer.
• Follow your Asthma Action Plan to keep asthma under control.
• Manage your home’s indoor air quality.
• Wear a mask in crowded places, wash hands properly, and stay away from sick people.
• Make sure you and your family get rest, adequate sleep and hydration, and eat healthy food.
• Make a plan to get updated vaccines for fall respiratory infections such as flu and COVID-19 when they become available.

RHHD encourages residents experiencing the symptoms of asthma to reach out to a primary care or other physician to receive diagnosis and treatment. Community members can get help connecting to a primary care physician, regardless of insurance status, by visiting rhhd.gov/connect-pc.

RHHD encourages residents with school-aged children to make sure their child’s school nurse and summer camp staff have a copy of their Asthma Action Plan. Parents can find more information at RHHD’s school health hub, rhhd.gov/school-health-hub.

Follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and Facebook for more Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month content. For more health and safety information, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

National Infant Immunization Week is April 21 – 28

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage parents and guardians to make sure that children two years and younger are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases. On-time vaccination is critical to provide protection against these potentially life-threatening diseases. National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 21 – 28.

“Our country is witnessing a concerning rise in the number of cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, and there has now been a confirmed case of measles in Virginia, the first of 2025,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Dr. Elaine Perry. “Infant immunization gives parents and guardians a powerful tool that can help protect one of our most vulnerable populations from serious illness and death.”

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. These vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians. Parents and guardians can view the Virginia childhood vaccine schedule on this PDF.

Families without health insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can visit rhhd.gov/connect-pc to find pediatric care providers. Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their child’s pediatrician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners. For more information, parents and guardians can visit rhhd.gov/childhoodvax.

RHHD offers childhood immunization appointments at its Cary Street,  Henrico East, and Henrico West, clinics. Parents and guardians can call 804-205-3501 to make an appointment. Bilingual-in-Spanish staff is available at all locations.

Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer free immunizations 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 using rhhd.gov/vfc. 

A 2024 study published in The Lancet looked at the effect of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which was launched in 1974 to make life-saving vaccines available to all globally. Since 1974, the study found that vaccination has averted 154 million deaths, including 146 million among children younger than 5 years, of whom 101 million averted deaths were infants younger than 1 year. Measles vaccination accounted for 93.7 million lives saved (60.8%) of the 154 million total lives saved over this 50-year period. Measles vaccination was the single greatest driver of lives saved by vaccination, across all years in every region and all World Bank income strata.

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is a yearly observance held in April, highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children stay on track with their well-child appointments and routine vaccinations.

Follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and Facebook. For more health and safety information, visit rhhd.gov and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.