The Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) is urging all parents of school-age children to ensure their child is up to date on all vaccines in advance of the start of school in August 2020.

“Due to COVID-19, we have seen that many children in Virginia have fallen behind on their immunizations,” said Dr. Donald Stern, Interim District Health Director. “Keeping your child up to date on vaccines helps to provide immunity, keeping them safe from potentially life-threatening diseases. As many vaccines are required to return to school, we are recommending parents act now to ensure their children are up to date on all necessary vaccines.”
Vaccines are available at many pediatricians, family physicians, and pharmacies, and are often available at no cost through health insurance benefits.

Families with health insurance and a primary care provider are encouraged to seek vaccines through their doctor’s office or local pharmacy.
For children without health insurance or who are not able to receive vaccines through their primary care provider, school immunizations are being offered at the Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Health Departments. Please note these services are available by appointment only.

Appointments can be made by calling the local health department at the following numbers:

 Caroline Health Department: 804-633-5465

 King George Health Department: 540-775-3111

 Spotsylvania Health Department: 540-507-7400

 Stafford Health Department: 540-659-3101

In addition, RAHD will be offering drive-thru Tdap vaccines for rising 7th graders on the following dates:

 Monday, July 27th from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Caroline Middle School

 Saturday, August 1st from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at King George High School

 Saturday, August 8th from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Chancellor Middle School

 Wednesday, August 12th from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Walker-Grant Middle School

 Tuesday, August 18th from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in Stafford County (exact location TBD)

A parent or guardian must be present for the child to be vaccinated at these drive-thru events. Children will be able to receive the vaccine regardless of insurance status, but if your child does have health insurance, please bring a copy of the insurance card.

COVID-19 restrictions will be in place for this event. Everyone in the vehicle over the age of 2 should be wearing a face mask, and all people in the car will receive a COVID-19 screening. If anyone is sick or has a fever, RAHD will not be able to give a vaccine that day. These events will be held rain or shine.
For more information on school immunizations in Virginia, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements/. For updated information from RAHD including the current clinical schedules, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/.