Crater Health District offers vaccinations for kids heading back to school

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — The Crater Health District (CHD) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) are encouraging families to ensure their children are up to date on vaccinations ahead of the 2025-26 school year.

CHD will be offering all required vaccines for school at all health department immunization clinics each week.

For schools in Virginia, immunizations are required for entry into kindergarten, 7th grade and 12th grade.

According to the VDH, keeping children up to date on vaccinations can reduce severe illness, decrease absences and also protect other members in the community.

"We invite everyone from CHD to ensure students have the required immunizations so they can start school on time and have a healthy year," said CHD director Alton Hart Jr.

CHD asks that families bring a copy of their child's vaccination record and health insurance card, if they have one. To request a copy of your child's vaccination record, click here.

Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at little to no cost through the Virginia Vaccine for Children Program, which offers free vaccines to children who are eligible.

For those looking for more information on school immunizations in Virginia, it is available here. Updated information from CHD, including current clinic schedules, is available here.

"Vaccines have been and remain our strongest tool in the fight to eradicate many childhood diseases," Hart said. "Our CHD staff looks forward to providing important health services needed for school entry."

CHD serves several localities including Petersburg, Hopewell, Emporia, Greensville County, Surry County, Sussex County, Dinwiddie County and Prince George County.