While summer fun is in full swing, now is a great time to start thinking about your child’s back-to-school vaccinations. The West Piedmont Health District is encouraging parents and guardians to get their children school-required vaccinations as soon as possible to avoid the rush that occurs during the late summer months. Children entering daycare, public and private school must give proof of vaccination before enrolling in school. Virginia schools require immunizations for entry into kindergarten, seventh grade, and 12th grade.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recommends that children are immunized in accordance with the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Vaccines are still required for school entry and remain the same as listed in the Code of Virginia. VDH encourages parents to talk with their child’s health care provider about recommended vaccinations.
Vaccines are safe and effective. Immunizations are the best defense against infectious disease. Keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illnesses, and unnecessary absences from school. Vaccines are available through pediatrician offices, pharmacies, and all local health departments.
The West Piedmont Health District will provide back-to-school vaccinations for all pre-school, HeadStart, rising Kindergarteners, 7th through 12th graders.
You may contact your local health department for more information on clinic availability.
Franklin County Health Department – (540) 484-0292, 365 Pell Ave, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Henry-Martinsville Health Department – (276) 638-2311, 395 Commonwealth Blvd, Martinsville, VA 24112
Patrick County Health Department – (276) 693-2070, 106 Rucker St, Ste 123, Stuart, VA 24171
Vaccines will be given on a first-come, first-served basis with supplies limited. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
A copy of the child’s vaccination record is required at time of vaccine administration. If it is not readily available, a copy of the record can be requested through the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) if vaccinated in Virginia. If the child was vaccinated in another state or country, you must provide a copy of the record.
If you have health insurance, please bring your insurance card or Medicaid card if applicable.
Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Virginia Vaccines for Children (VVFC) program which offers free vaccines to eligible children. You can Locate A VVFC Provider by zip code.
VDH encourages parents to contact their local health department or pediatric office as soon as possible to save the stress of trying to get required vaccinations at the last minute, potentially missing the first day of school.
