HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) 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, 7th 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 give us the power to avoid illness; ultimately, they give us the power to live longer, healthier lives,” said Marsha Rodeffer, nursing manager at CSHD. “School required vaccines keep the children in our lives happy, healthy, and in school learning.”

The CSHD and Sentara Community Cares will provide both back-to-school vaccinations for rising 7th through 12th graders and sports physicals at two events this summer:

  • Tools for Schools Event: Saturday, August 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eastern Mennonite University, 1307 Park Road, Harrisonburg
  • Atrium Sports Physicals and Immunizations Event: Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sentara Atrium, 2000 Beery Road, Harrisonburg

Tdap, Meningococcal, and HPV vaccines and sports physicals will be available at both events. 

No appointment is required; vaccines and physicals will be walk-in only.

Vaccines will be given on a first-come, first-served basis with limited supplies. Minors must be accompanied by an adult who is older than 18 years old.

A copy of the child’s vaccination record is required. If it is not readily available, a copy of the record can be requested through the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). If you have health insurance, 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.

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Health Department will also offer extended clinic hours for school-required immunizations. Extended clinics run until 5:30 p.m. and give parents the opportunity to get their children vaccinated without having to take leave from work.

Appointments for school-required vaccines can be scheduled at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Health Department by calling (540) 574-5101. For more information, contact the Central Shenandoah Health District at cshdinfo@vdh.virginia.gov.