Youth Vaccination Clinics Next Week At Schools

Rockbridge Area Health Center, in partnership with Rockbridge County Public Schools, will host two youth vaccination clinics for students at area schools.

The clinics will take place from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, at Maury River Middle School, and on Thursday, May 16, at Rockbridge County High School.

RAHC staff will provide required vaccines to rising kindergarteners, sixth- and seventhgraders, and rising seniors in accordance with the vaccination schedule set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially lifethreatening diseases, said Suzanne Sheridan, CEO of the Rockbridge Area Health Center. Vaccines are tested to ensure they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages, she noted.

A list of required school immunizations and related forms/documents are available on the Virginia Department of Health website, https:// www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements.

“Our goal is to make getting children vaccinated easier for families,” stated Sheridan. “By bringing children to a place where they are comfortable, we not only promote their immediate health and welfare but also contribute to the overall well-being of our community.”

All school-aged students are welcome, regardless of insurance status. They do not need to be registered RAHC patients. Parents of students who have missed or delayed vaccines are also encouraged to schedule appointments. The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine for children six months or older will also be available. On-demand translation services are available in over 300 languages.

Call or text (540) 464-8700 ext. 7110 to schedule an appointment and for more information about the vaccination clinic. Appointments are required for both clinics.

Visit www.RockAHC.org for more information about RAHC’s services and to see all upcoming mobile clinics taking place in localities across Rockbridge County.