Virginia Department of Health Reaffirms its Commitment to Vaccines as a Critical Tool in Protecting the Health of Families and Communities - Newsroom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 19, 2026
Media Contact: Logan Anderson, Logan.Anderson@vdh.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Health Reaffirms its Commitment to Vaccines as a Critical Tool in Protecting the Health of Families and Communities
Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reaffirming its commitment to vaccines as an essential tool in protecting the health of children, their families, and their communities. VDH recommends that children are vaccinated in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. VDH expects that healthcare providers will continue to rely on their clinical training and professional judgment and consult information published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians when engaging in shared clinical decision-making with parents, caregivers, and patients.
American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 Immunization Schedule
On January 26, 2026, the AAP published their Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, US, 2026, formally endorsed by 12 medical and healthcare organizations. This schedule routinely recommends vaccines against 18 diseases. VDH believes the AAP schedule optimally protects Virginia’s children and adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines remain widely accessible in Virginia. VDH anticipates that Virginia healthcare providers will continue to offer these vaccines to children and adolescents. Patients should call their healthcare provider to confirm the availability of vaccines and ask questions about which vaccines are best for them.
“Vaccines remain one of the most powerful public health tools that we have to keep Virginia families and communities healthy,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “The majority of Virginians choose to vaccinate their children against these diseases. VDH continues to support Virginia’s families and healthcare providers by ensuring we reinforce science-based public health recommendations to inform those healthcare decisions. The recent increases in measles cases in Virginia and the United States are a strong reminder of the importance and power of vaccines to protect our health.” ”
Virginia’s Vaccine Requirements for School Attendance Remain Unchanged
Virginia school entrance requirements are outlined in Virginia statute and remain unchanged. Additional information on school immunization requirements can also be found on our webpage: School Requirements – Immunization.
If you have questions about vaccines or vaccine-preventable diseases, please talk to your healthcare provider or contact your local health department for more information.
Additional information is available: