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Children who will be enrolling in kindergarten at a Virginia public school are required to have a physical and immunizations prior to entering the classroom. Consequently, the Rockbridge Area Health Center (RAHC) and local school boards are collaborating to provide expanded access to physical exams and vaccinations in the area.
The RAHC mobile medical unit is currently scheduled to be on-site at three area schools to provide physicals and vaccinations to any rising Kindergartner.
The clinics will be held in the parking lot at the following locations:
• May 16 – Mountain View Elementary School
• May 17 – Fairfield Elementary School
• May 18 – Natural Bridge Elementary School “Using RAHC’s mobile health care units gives us the opportunity to offer these services off-site and out in the community,” said Dr. Michael Henry, RAHC medical director. “Taking health care out into the community addresses the need for access, especially for those with potential travel barriers. Transportation can be one of the greatest barriers to care in the area.”
Physical exams provided will meet the requirements set by the commonwealth of Virginia and include height and weight measurement, blood pressure and pulse readings, a full physical examination to include heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat, and vision and hearing tests, and the required vaccinations will be administered during the visit. Students must be accompanied by parents or guardians.
RAHC will also be providing Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5-11 years at each clinic for anyone interested.
Appointments are necessary and will be offered from 9:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To pre-register or for more information, call (540) 464-8700, ext. 7110. Parents should bring a list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and/or herbal supplements and any records of vaccinations received outside of Virginia to the appointment. Parent or legal guardian will need to be present.
As an accredited Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH), RAHC provides coordinated and integrated health care services which, in addition to pediatric care, includes medical, dental, and behavioral health services for both children and adults, regardless of income or insurance status.
For more information about RAHC’s services, call (540) 464-8700 or visit rockahc.org.
