South Fork Roanoke River contaminated with ‘PFAS,’ VDH says water still safe to consume
The DEQ said they received information from the Western Virginia Water Authority that results of the water found GenX, a type of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance, also known as PFAS, in source water and drinking water from the South Fork Roanoke River watershed.
Virginia health officials remind parents to get students vaccinated
As schools prepare for the fall semester, the Virginia Department of Health is reminding all parents about the immunization requirements for children and young adults. Virginia state law requires specific immunizations that students, depending on their age group, must have to enroll in school. Unless there is a religious exemption, getting immunizations and making sure they are up to date are the first steps of a child’s early education. Though the vaccination requirements of young adults may not be as obvious a step, they are equally as important.
First Virginia child, age 10-19, dies from Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children associated with COVID-19
The Virginia Department of Health has reported that a child, between the ages of 10 and 19, has died from Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a syndrome that’s associated with the coronavirus.
WATCH: Gov. Ralph Northam, Dr. Anthony Fauci address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Health is hosting a virtual conversation with Gov. Ralph Northam, Dr. Anthony Fauci and various healthcare providers across the Commonwealth regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy Tuesday evening.
VDH works to address vaccine trust, disparities in rural areas
The state’s lead COVID-19 vaccine expert says the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is looking at new ways to get people who live in rural areas vaccinated. ROANOKE, Va – The state’s lead COVID-19 vaccine expert says the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is looking at new ways to get people who live in rural areas vaccinated. The move comes after a large influx of people from out of town traveled to Danville this week to use the Community Vaccination Center. Dr. Danny Avula says they are scaling back the number of vaccines at the site because of several challenges for people who live in rural areas. Avula says despite social media posts, little to no vaccine was going to waste at the Danville site.
National Guardsmen named unsung heroes of Roanoke vaccine clinics
ROANOKE, Va. – More COVID-19 vaccines could be available in the Roanoke Valley as early as next week. Thursday, the Virginia Department of Health took some time to thank a few unsung heroes responsible for making the vaccination process a smooth one. Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Director of the Roanoke City & Allegheny Health District, said her team is indebted to the Virginia National Guard. “We couldn’t do what we’re doing in our community without the National Guard and our partners,” expressed Morrow. AdSince late December, the Roanoke City & Allegheny Health District has worked with vaccination partners to provide over 118,000 doses of vaccine (including second doses) to local residents.
VDH urges people not to travel to COVID vaccine clinic without official appointment
DANVILLE, Va. – Health officials are urging people to avoid trying to get the COVID vaccine by just showing up clinic without an appointment. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced Wednesday that only individuals who receive an appointment or invitation to attend a COVID vaccine clinic will be permitted inside to be vaccinated. VDH says Community Vaccination Centers (CVC) are only intended for those eligible to be vaccinated in the Phase 1 group in Virginia. According to city officials, people heard the vaccine clinic was accepting walk-ins due to a perceived oversupply of the vaccine. AdDanville City Manager Ken Larkin said those who travel to Danville without an appointment risk being turned away.
‘Thank You’ signs show appreciation for VDH staff, volunteers
ROANOKE, Va. – After a year of hard work, long days, and countless hours fighting this pandemic, local cities and first responders are saying “thank you” to the Virginia Department of Health and countless volunteers who are doing their part. City officials and first responders from across the Roanoke Valley made signs as a way to show their appreciation. They’ve been patient with the community and they have done an extraordinary job. It’s a huge undertaking,” said Trevor Shannon, the Battalion chief of Emergency Management for Roanoke Fire-EMS. Signs are posted all over the Roanoke & Alleghany Health District, including in Salem, Botetourt County, Alleghany County, Craig County, and Roanoke County.
COVID vaccine Phase 1c starting this week in parts of Virginia with everyone there by mid-April
Virginia continues to make progress in protecting people from the coronavirus as more and more people receive the vaccine. The Virginia Department of Health announced Tuesday that some health districts will begin the transition to Phase 1c vaccinations this week and that all communities across Virginia should be able to open to this group of essential workers by mid-April. The Pittsylvania/Danville Health District and Southside Health District, which covers Brunswick, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties, are among those now in Phase 1c. Phase 1b includes those 65 and older, those 16-64 with underlying medical conditions and some frontline essential workers. Overlap of vaccination of groups may occur to ensure people in each phase are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible.