Heather Bell
NEW RIVER VALLEY – Children in the New River Valley can get free vaccines in the coming weeks, compliments of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
The VDH’s New River Health District’s mobile health bus will be visiting public schools in April to offer vaccines for children who need them.
“Our goal with the mobile health bus is to provide a ‘road to wellness’ for our residents,” said Noelle Bissell, MD, director, New River Health District. “By visiting local schools, we can improve access to health care for the communities we serve by providing easier access to vaccinations.
“Vaccination is essential for protecting our children, keeping them well, and keeping them in school,” she continued.
The vaccines offered through the mobile health unit include TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, or whooping cough), HPV (human papillomavirus) and MCV (meningococcal disease, or meningitis).
“TDaP vaccine is required by Virginia state law for all children 11 years old and older; HPV and MCV vaccines are strongly recommended by VDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians,” according to information released by the health department. “These clinics are provided through a collaborative effort of the New River Health District and public school districts in Montgomery, Floyd, Giles and Pulaski counties and Radford City to promote the health of those in the community and in the school systems.”
The schedule for the mobile health bus is:
Tuesday, Apr. 9, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Blacksburg Middle School, 3109 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg
Wednesday, Apr. 10, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Christiansburg Middle School, 1205 Buffalo Drive, Christiansburg
Thursday, Apr. 11, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.– Shawsville Middle School, 4179 Oldtown Road, Shawsville
Tuesday, Apr. 16, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Pulaski Middle School, 500 Pico Terrace, Pulaski
Thursday, Apr. 18, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – John N. Dalton Intermediate School, 60 Dalton Drive, Radford
Wednesday, Apr. 24, 4 to 7 p.m. – Floyd County High School, 721 Baker St., SE, Floyd
Monday, Apr. 29, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. – Macy McLaugherty Combined School, 1001 Henson Ave., Pearisburg
Parents of home-schooled students can also get the free vaccines for their children. The Health Department says homeschooling parents “should contact their medical provider or local health department to make an appointment to have their children vaccinated.”
Local offices of the New River Health District include:
Floyd County Health Department, 123 Parkview Road, NE, Floyd, 540-745-2142
Giles County Health Department, 1 Taylor Ave., Suite 4, Pearisburg, 540-235-3135
Montgomery County Health Department, 210 S. Pepper St., Suite A, Christiansburg, 540-585-3300
Pulaski County Health Department, 170 4th St., NW, Pulaski, 540-440-2188
Radford City Health Department, 220 E. Main St., Radford, 540-267-8255
For more information, see www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/requirements or www.vdh.virginia.gov/new-river/, or contact your health care provider or the New River Health District at 540-585-3300.
The VDH is elebrating National Public Health Week during this first week of April, with giveaways, free screenings, the free vaccine program and other outreach efforts.
“During the first full week of April, the American Public Health Association brings together communities nationwide to observe National Public Health Week,” states information released by VDH. “ In Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health dedicates this week to recognizing the contributions of public health professionals and highlighting issues that are important to improving the health of our state and nation.”
“Everyone deserves a chance to live a healthy life, and we can all work together to make that happen in our own communities where we live, work and play,” said State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, MD, MA. “During National Public Health Week and throughout the year, Virginia’s Plan for Well-Being serves as a call to action to create and sustain conditions that support health and well-being for all people in Virginia. Together we can make Virginia the healthiest state in the nation.”
