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RPS partners with health district for student immunizations

Free Press staff report | 6/13/2024, 6 p.m.
The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are partnering with Richmond Public Schools to provide immunization and physical clinics for students …

The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are partnering with Richmond Public Schools to provide immunization and physical clinics for students entering seventh and 12th grades this summer.

The health districts and school system encourage families to schedule appointments for rising seventh and 12th-graders to get their required school immunizations and physicals. Appointments can be made with a primary care provider or at one of the at-school clinics in June and July.

“It’s a great time to see your primary care provider for your wellness visit and get the vaccines your child needs,” said Virginia Slattum, community health nurse supervisor for the health districts. “We partner with Richmond Public Schools to provide another convenient place to get the required vaccines.”

The at-school clinics will offer physicals by appointment and immunizations on a walk-up basis for Richmond students only. Clinics will be held at Huguenot High School on June 13, Henry L. Marsh III Elementary on June 20, River City Middle School on June 27, and Broad Rock Elementary on July 11. All clinics run from 1 to 4 p.m.

Required immunizations for incoming seventh graders include the Tdap, meningococcal and HPV vaccines. Required for rising 12th-graders is a second dose of the meningococcal vaccine.

Families without insurance or covered by Medicaid can make appointments at the health district clinics. The Vaccines for Children program provides free shots for uninsured, underinsured and Medicaid children. Those with private insurance should see their doctor or pharmacy.

“We want every student ready to learn on the first day,” said Renesha Parks, RPS chief wellness officer. “Physicals and immunizations are critical, and we’re proud to offer these services easily and free.”