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2024-2025 Vaccine Updates
As the fall season rolls in, so does the uptick in respiratory illnesses. BRHD has already seen an increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the District. We encourage community members to practice safe hygiene by staying home when sick, thoroughly washing hands, and keeping up-to-date on the latest vaccines.
2025-26 seasonal influenza (flu) vaccines are available at healthcare providers and pharmacies throughout the District for individuals ages 6 months and older. As of September 2025, individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those aged 18-64 with underlying conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, are eligible for the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine. These individuals may receive the vaccine at pharmacies without a prescription. VDH encourages all Virginians to consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action regarding vaccination. For more details and to find vaccination locations, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) for assistance in English, Spanish, and over 100 other languages.
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DIS Recognition Day
Ever heard of a Disease Intervention Specialist, or DIS? Fighting outbreaks since the 1930s, they're on the front line of infectious disease control. DIS do things like:
- Lead frontline contact tracing efforts for emerging & reemerging infections
- Provide non-judgmental & inclusive sexual health education
- Swiftly connect individuals to screening & treatment services
- Confidentially support partner notification (AKA partner services) of folks who may have been exposed
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Make referrals to wrap-around services like housing support or syringe exchange
Last Friday marked National DIS Recognition Day, so we'd like to recognize our very own Disease Intervention Specialist Delores! A member of our Epidemiology team, Delores spends her time identifying, tracking, & preventing infectious diseases. Her work directly impacts the health of our communities and makes BRHD a safer place to work, live, and play.
DIS are a vital piece of the public health puzzle. Thank you to Delores and all the other DIS for keeping our communities healthy and disease-free!
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Why are we concerned about the flu?
Flu infections account for tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year and thousands of deaths. When flu is fatal, it is most likely in the elderly and the very young. Young and healthy people are less likely to have serious consequences from the flu, but can spread the infection to others at higher risk. Getting your flu shot will help protect you and others as well!
How does the flu shot protect me?
The flu vaccine protects you in two ways. First, it may prevent you from getting the flu at all. But, if you do get the flu and have been vaccinated, it is likely that you will have a far less severe case of it and you will avoid hospitalization as a result.
Why do I need a flu shot every year?
The flu strains that circulate change each year, so new flu vaccines are made each year to fight those new strains. The vaccine made for last year’s strains will not protect you from this year’s strains. New year, new flu shot!
How do I get a flu vaccine?
Flu vaccines are available from your primary care provider, at local pharmacies, and at the health department. They are generally covered by most insurances. Uninsured children, and those with Medicaid, can receive a flu shot free of charge while supplies last at your local health department.
For more information:
Visit the CDC's Flu Vaccines webpage.
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To read past publications, visit the BRHD Health Whys webpage.
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The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Kickoff!
This week marked the start of the 2025–2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)! Organizations and agencies from across the District came together to begin brainstorming ways to turn our three MAPP2Health priorities - Chronic Conditions (obesity and mental health), Healthcare Access, and Social Drivers of Health (healthy food, economic stability, and transportation) - into direct action. Over the next several months, we’ll be forming workgroups, sharing ideas, and learning from programs already making a difference.
One area where we especially need voices right now is “economic stability”. If you (or your organization) help people build financial security, make it easier to get steady work, or open doors to better job opportunities, we’d love for you to be part of the conversation! Upcoming CHIP meetings will be held on November 5 or 6 and December 3 or 4 (same meeting, two date options each month).
Transportation Workgroups Win the Week!
What a week! On Saturday, September 27 more than 340 people laced up their shoes or hopped on bikes to explore the Rivanna Trail during Loop de Ville Fest—a community celebration of the 20-mile trail network around Charlottesville. Just a few days later, 60 residents signed up for Week Without Driving to see what it’s like when local transportation options are limited. Both events tied directly to the transportation priority of the 2022 CHIP, and BRHD was proud to support them alongside our community partners.
If you - or a community leader or organization you know - want to be part of the 2025–2028 CHIP and help shape the next set of solutions, contact Jen Fleisher to join the workgroups. Your voice and ideas can make a real difference!
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Monday, October 13 – BRHD Closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Tuesday, November 4 – BRHD Closed for Election Day
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Monthly Rapid REVIVE! Naloxone Trainings
Free trainings and dispensing of Naloxone nasal spray used to treat suspected opioid overdoses. All are welcome. Visit the Harm Reduction webpage for more information.
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2nd Tuesday of the month: October 14 from 3 to 4 PM at the Greene County Health Department (50 Stanard St., Stanardsville, VA)
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3rd Monday of the month: October 20 from 3 to 4 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA)
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3rd Wednesday of the month: October 15 from 1 to 3 PM at the Nelson County Health Department (1645 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Arrington, VA) and from 3 to 4 PM at the Louisa County Health Department (101 Woolfolk Ave. Suite 202, Louisa, VA)
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4th Wednesday of the month: October 22 from 1 to 3 PM at the Fluvanna County Health Department (132 Main St., Palmyra, VA)
Monthly Test & Go Event
Free walk-in STI testing on a first come, first served basis until we reach capacity. No insurance needed. Call 434-972-6269 for more information.
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3rd Tuesday of the month: October 21 from 4:30 to 6 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA)
Monthly Community Health Worker (CHW) Office Hours
Walk-in one-on-one sessions hosted in Albemarle County. All are welcome. Visit the Community Health Worker webpage for more information or call 434-270-3216.
- Every Thursday of the month: October 16, 23, & 30 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Yancey Community Health Center (7625 Porters Rd., Esmont, VA)
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