Maintaining a vaccine schedule is critical to protecting Virginians from vaccine-preventable illnesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 30, 2026
For More Information, Contact:
ImmunizeVA: Associate Program Manager Bel Kelly-Russo 703-268-0625 [email protected]
IPHI: Communications Director Taya Jarman, APR 202-747-3541 [email protected]
RICHMOND, Va. – ImmunizeVA, a statewide coalition of immunization stakeholders representing medical, public health, nonprofit professionals, and community leaders, urges Virginians to stay up to date on recommended vaccines to reduce the transmission of communicable diseases. August is Virginia Immunization Awareness Month (VIAM), an opportunity to remind Virginians about the importance of staying on track with the vaccine schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
To celebrate the passage of House Joint Resolution No. 24 by the General Assembly, which permanently designates August as Immunization Awareness Month in Virginia, ImmunizeVA invites all Virginians to participate in an afternoon of community learning and dialogue at the Byrd Theatre in Richmond, VA. This free event on Saturday, August 8th will feature a screening of the film “Hilleman: A Perilous Request to Save the World’s Children,” which celebrates the life of Dr. Maurice Hilleman, widely considered to be the father of modern vaccines. The film will be accompanied by remarks from statewide and local leaders in public health, including U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, State Delegate Marcia “Cia” Price, State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb, and Tracy Citeroni, PhD, a cervical cancer survivor and health advocate.
Even a small decline in vaccination rates can allow vaccine-preventable diseases to easily spread and increase the risk of outbreaks, with implications for student health, local school and business operations, and broader community transmission. With the recent measles outbreaks spreading across the Commonwealth 1 and a recent meningococcal disease outbreak in Virginia from 2022-2024 2, raising the rates of routine vaccination for adults and children that have decreased over the past 6 years is essential for protecting individuals and communities.
It is especially important that infants, small children, college students, seniors, and immunocompromised communities should be up to date on vaccinations. “Vaccines are critical to stopping the spread of illnesses and helping to keep communities safe and healthy. With Virginia children preparing to return to school and young adults leaving for college, August marks an important reminder to speak to medical professionals to maintain the recommended vaccine schedule,” said Rebecca Epstein, Senior Program Manager of ImmunizeVA.
Although kindergarten entry vaccination rates have improved since a notable decrease in 2021, there is still improvement to be made to ensure herd immunity in all communities. “I want all our kids to be safe from preventable disease while attending school. Keeping kids up to date on routine vaccines keeps preventable diseases out of our schools,” said Beth Parker, MEd, ImmunizeVA Steering Committee Chair and parent advocate.
Virginia’s school immunization requirements align with the recommended schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians. The childhood vaccine schedule is developed to provide protection from the worst effects of 14 vaccine-preventable diseases at the points in a child’s life when the vaccines offer the most protection. There are also important vaccines for adults, including recently updated recommendations for certain vaccines like pneumococcal. Many adults are also not aware that they should receive annual flu and booster shots every ten years to protect themselves from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. A medical provider can share the latest recommendations and ensure families are up to date.
Most vaccines are free with Medicaid and other insurance plans. The Virginia Vaccines for Children program also provides vaccines at no cost to children for eligible caregivers. In the 30 years since the Vaccines for Children program was created by Congress, the vaccination of children born in the United States will prevent 508 million illnesses, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1.3 million deaths, and $2.7 trillion in total societal costs. 3
To learn more, visit www.ImmunizeVirginia.org.
1 https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html
3 https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2026/hhss-abridged-vaccine-recommendations
About ImmunizeVA
ImmunizeVA is a statewide coalition of immunization stakeholders representing medical, public health, and nonprofit professionals, as well as parents and community members. Members are united in their commitment to the coalition’s vision of a future where the disease does not impact Virginians’ quality and length of life that immunizations could have prevented. We work together to improve immunization coverage across the Commonwealth. ImmunizeVA is an Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) initiative. For more information on ImmunizeVA, visit: www.immunizevirginia.org and follow ImmunizeVA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @ImmunizeVa.
About the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI)
IPHI develops multi-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to improve the public’s health and well-being across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. IPHI’s work strengthens health systems and policy, enhances conditions that promote health, and builds community capacity to ensure equitable health opportunities. Nationally, IPHI is one of over 50 public health institutes and a member of the National Network of Public Health Institutes. For more information about IPHI, visit: www.institutephi.org and follow IPHI on social media @InstitutePHI.
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