June 12, 2024
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.Dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998
Central Shenandoah Health District Urges Parents to Schedule Back-to-School Vaccinations Before School Begins
STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is urging parents of school-aged children to make their back-to-school vaccination appointments before school begins.
CSHD has specified hours for back-to-school vaccines to accommodate those students who must receive immunizations prior to the new school year. These appointments are available at the Staunton, Waynesboro, and Harrisonburg health department locations. In addition, the Harrisonburg location has appointments available after regular business hours. Those wishing to receive services at the Lexington-Rockbridge, Highland County and Bath County Health Departments can visit during regularly scheduled times.
“CSHD is excited to provide additional appointments for back to school required vaccines,” says Marsha Rodeffer, Nurse Manager at CSHD. “To avoid the traditional rush at the end of summer, we are encouraging everyone with school-aged children to make appointments now for the required vaccines. Keeping your children up to date on vaccines helps to avoid potentially life-threatening diseases and to start school on time.”
Proof of immunizations are required by the Code of Virginia for all students entering daycare and public or private schools. The vaccines should be given based on the schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Family Physicians.
The required vaccines can be obtained at your child’s pediatrician’s office, at some pharmacies, and your local health department.
These additional appointment slots are anticipated to fill up quickly- don’t delay. Call your local health department today for appointment availability.
- Staunton-Augusta: 540-332-7830
- Harrisonburg-Rockingham: 540-574-5101
- Waynesboro-Augusta: 540-949-0137
- Lexington-Rockbridge: 540-463-3185
- Highland County: 540-468-2270
- Bath County: 540-839-7246
More information can be found about the recommendations for childhood immunizations on the VDH website at: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/backtoschool/