National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is observed every year during the first week of December. It highlights the importance of the flu vaccine and reminds us that its not too late for a flu shot!  

The flu vaccine can help protect anyone six months and older from the flu. It is especially important for certain high-risk groups, including: 

• Young children (ages 5 years & younger)
• Pregnant women
• Older adults (ages 65+)
• Immunocompromised persons 

Data from the CDC shows that flu vaccination coverage was lower last season, especially among certain higher risk groups (including children). By staying up to date on yearly flu vaccines, you reduce your risk of illness and flu-related hospitalization if you do get sick. 

Want to get your flu vaccine at BRHD? Stop by our weekly Walk-In COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Clinics at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department! Details on the clinic schedule can be found below in the “Recurring Events” section or on our COVID-19 & Flu Vaccines webpage. Flu vaccinations are also available by appointment at all health department locations. Call your local health department to make an appointment.

The Community Health Assessment (CHA) is in its final stretch, gathering input from community members about what they need to live their healthiest lives. With support from the MAPP2Health Core Group—Blue Ridge Health District, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, and UVA Health—and partners like Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Cville Tulips, Feeding Greene, Fluvanna Leaders for Race & Diversity, The Fountain Fund, Greene Care Clinic, International Rescue Committee, Out and About, and the UVA Latino Health Initiative, we’ll have soon interviewed over 200 residents. And we’re not stopping there! 

We’ll continue collecting feedback from community members until early January. Then, the MAPP2Health Steering Committee and Core Group will identify the District’s top health priorities for 2025. Starting in March, we’ll host even more focus groups to explore what solutions and initiatives can make the biggest impact in those priority areas over the next three years. 

We need your help to hear from more voices—especially from residents who are often unheard! If your organization or agency has an upcoming event or regular gathering, we’d love to join and conduct interviews. Does your faith-based group or ministry meet regularly? Let’s connect! We’re especially eager to hear from residents in Louisa, the Branchlands neighborhood of Charlottesville, and those who are unhoused or in transitional housing.  

Reach out to CHA/CHIP Program Officer Jen Fleisher to schedule a time for us to join. 

Lastly, if you’re part of the staff or leadership at an organization in the District, we need your input, too! Complete the Stakeholder Survey by December 31 and share what your clients, patients, or consumers need most. 

• Monday, December 9 from 2 to 4:30 PM – Free COVID-19 Test Kit Distribution at the Nelson County Health Department (1653 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Arrington, VA, please note this will be at our new health department location) 
  • Free at-home COVID-19 test kit distribution happening outside in the parking lot. Maximum of four free tests per person. All are welcome. Call 804-895-4927 for more information.  

Monthly Rapid REVIVE! Naloxone Trainings

Free training and dispensing of Naloxone nasal spray used to treat suspected opioid overdoses. All are welcome. Visit the Harm Reduction webpage for more information.

• 2nd Tuesday of the month: December 10 from 3 to 4 PM at the Greene County Health Department (50 Stanard St., Stanardsville, VA) and Fluvanna County Health Department (132 Main St., Palmyra, VA)
• 3rd Monday of the month: December 16 from 3 to 4 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA)
• 3rd Wednesday of the month: December 18 from 3 to 4 PM at the Louisa County Health Department (101 Woolfolk Ave. Suite 202, Louisa, VA) 

Monthly Test & Go Event

Free walk-in STI testing on a first come, first served basis until supplies run out. No insurance needed. Call 434-972-6269 for more information.

• 3rd Tuesday of the month: December 17 from 4:30 to 6 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA) 

Weekly COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Clinics

2024-25 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for ages 12+, regular dose flu vaccines for ages 2-64, and high dose flu vaccines for ages 65+ will be available on a first come, first served basis. Bring insurance information if you have insurance. Minors must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Visit the Flu & COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics webpage for more information.

• Mondays, December 9, 16, & 23 from 8:30 to 11 AM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville VA)