The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is urging parents of school-aged children to make their back-to-school vaccination appointments before school begins.
“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,” said Marsha Rodeffer, nurse manager at CSHD. “Keeping your children up to date on vaccines helps to avoid potentially life-threatening diseases and to start school on time.”
Proof of immunizations is 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.
The Lexington-Rockbridge Health Department can be reached at (540) 463-3185.
More information can be found about the recommendations for childhood immunizations on the VDH website at https:// www.vdh.virginia.gov/backtoschool/.