{"id":22745,"date":"2025-09-15T08:42:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T12:42:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/?p=22745"},"modified":"2026-05-04T09:59:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T13:59:19","slug":"get-ready-for-flu-covid-19-and-emergencies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/richmond-city\/2025\/09\/15\/get-ready-for-flu-covid-19-and-emergencies\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Ready for Flu, COVID-19, and Emergencies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage you to make appointments for respiratory illness vaccinations and <\/span>make a plan<\/span><\/a> for emergencies. September is <\/span>National Preparedness Month<\/span><\/a> and Sept. 16 is <\/span>Get Ready Day<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet Ready Day reminds us of the importance of preparing ourselves, our families, and our communities for infectious diseases, natural disasters, and other emergencies,\u201d said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry. \u201cVaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from diseases like COVID-19 and flu. By getting your annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines this fall, you can make sure to be there for family gatherings and all of the activities taking place around Richmond and Henrico!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get ready for respiratory illnesses.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make a vaccination appointment at a local pharmacy, your primary care provider, or an RHHD clinic. Visit <\/span>rhhd.gov\/connect-pc<\/span><\/a> to locate primary care providers that accept private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and patients without insurance.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Virginia Vaccines for Adults (VVFA) providers offer no-cost immunizations to adults who are uninsured or underinsured. Use <\/span>rhhd.gov\/vfa<\/span><\/a> to search for a nearby provider. Virgina Vaccines for Children (VVFC) providers offer no-cost vaccinations 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. Use <\/span>rhhd.gov\/vfc<\/span><\/a> to search for a nearby provider.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RHHD offers vaccination appointments at its <\/span>Henrico East<\/span><\/a> (804-652-3190), <\/span>Henrico West<\/span><\/a> (804-501-4522), and <\/span>Cary Street<\/span><\/a> (804-205-3500) clinics. Spanish bilingual staff are available at each location. Visit <\/span>rhhd.gov\/flu<\/span><\/a> for more information.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get ready for emergencies.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEmergency preparedness starts with a few simple, cost-free steps,\u201d says Ed Porner, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts emergency preparedness and response coordinator. \u201cTalk to your family, gather important information, and find out what your friends and neighbors will need, especially those that might need a little extra help. The more prepared we are as a communi<\/span>ty, the better we will fare.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure your plan includes everyone! Consider supporting those in the community that might need your help, like an elderly neighbor or someone with a disability. Don\u2019t forget to <\/span>plan for your pets<\/span><\/a>!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ed Porner offers these tips to help your family stay prepared:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n