|
Bunches of Back-to-School Immunization Clinics
Exciting news - we've got 20+ new Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics added to our schedule! Each health department office will host clinics providing school-required vaccines for rising K-12 students. Some clinics are by appointment only, while others will only accept walk-ins. Appointments can be made by calling the hosting health department. Visit our Back-to-School Immunizations webpage for the full schedule and contact information.
We also host monthly immunization clinics at each of our health department locations if you can’t make any of the Back-to-School clinics. Give us a call and we'll help you schedule an appointment!
|
|
 |
New – BRHD Event Calendar!
Have you ever wished there was a way to see all our public-facing events in one place? Your wish has come true – the BRHD Event Calendar is now live on our website! This calendar features a variety of events, including:
- Community Office Hours
- Rapid REVIVE! Naloxone Trainings
- Test & Go
- Outreach Network Trainings
- Back to School Vaccine Clinics
-
And more!
Measles Overview
There are currently 177 known cases of measles in Virginia. Majority of these cases are linked to a current outbreak in Buckingham County, and on June 25, 2026, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) published a press release officially expanding the measles outbreak to include Cumberland County. Since both counties border BRHD, let's do a brief review of the disease:
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. It spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Because the virus is airborne, it can linger in the air for up to two hours after a contagious person has left. The infection usually occurs in two stages.
-
First signs and symptoms begin about 7-14 days after being exposed. These include:
- A fever over 101 degrees
- Runny nose
- Watery red eyes
- Small white spots may be seen on the gums and inside of the cheeks. These can appear a few days after initial symptoms begin.
-
Typically starts 3-5 days (range of 1-7 days) after stage 1 symptoms appear.
-
Begins as a rash on the face that spreads to the rest of the body.
A person can spread the measles virus from just before the fever starts (usually four days before the rash appears) to about four days after the rash appears. Immunocompromised patients can spread the virus for the entire duration of their illness.
Measles is preventable through a safe and effective Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) vaccine. It's recommended for all children, starting with the first dose at 12-15 months of age, and a second dose before a child enters kindergarten (4-6 years of age). The second dose can be administered earlier, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.
|
|
|
 |
Why is the Meningitis B vaccine important for young adults?
Meningitis B strikes young adults between ages 16-25 . It is transmitted in congregate settings such as dorms, large parties, bars, etc. Once infected, it moves quickly and can be disabling or even fatal in 48 hours or less.
What vaccines does my child need?
Most Virginia students received the Tdap, HPV, and Meningococcal ACWY vaccines between the age of 10-16. However, most students don't receive the Meningococcal B vaccine which protects them from a form of meningitis often found in places like college campuses. If post high school plans include living and socializing with other groups of students or colleagues, consider a Meningococcal B vaccine.
Where can my child get these vaccines?
Tdap, HPV, Meningococcal ACWY, and Meningococcal B vaccines are available through your child’s primary care provider or commercial pharmacies. Your local health department also offers these vaccines, and we have extra clinics throughout the summer to meet your needs. The Meningococcal B vaccine can be given as a standalone vaccine or as a combination vaccine with Meningococcal ACWY.
For more information visit:
Meningococcal Vaccine Recommendations | Meningococcal | CDC
|
To read past publications, visit the BRHD Health Whys webpage.
|
|
The 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is now underway! The CHIP was published on July 1, 2026, and is the Blue Ridge Health District’s shared action plan for improving health across our localities. It was developed in close partnership with healthcare systems, local governments, community organizations, and residents. The plan is organized around three integrated goals:
- Improve Access to High-Quality, Affordable, and Responsive Health Services
- Integrate the Regional Mental Health Ecosystem
-
Strengthen Community Supports for Wellbeing, Nutrition, and Economic Opportunity
Together, these goals guide 38 collaborative strategies led by healthcare systems, public health agencies, community organizations, and local partners throughout BRHD. If you’re interested in following along with our progress, subscribe to the new CHIP Newsletter.
|
|
|
 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.
-
2nd Tuesday of the month: July 14 from 3 to 4 PM at the Greene County Health Department (50 Stanard St., Stanardsville, VA)
-
3rd Monday of the month: July 20 from 3 to 4 PM at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville, VA)
-
3rd Wednesday of the month: July 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)
-
4th Wednesday of the month: July 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.
-
3rd Tuesday of the month: July 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.
- Monthly on Thursdays: July 16 & 30 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Yancey Community Health Center (7625 Porters Rd., Esmont, VA)
|
|
|
|
|
