Virginia Measles Cases Prompt Vaccination Encouragement

VA Dept of Health Newsroom

Published March 19th, 2026

Detected March 24th, 2026

Summary

The Virginia Department of Health has reported 14 measles cases as of March 19, 2026, a significant increase from the five cases reported in all of 2025. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are encouraging parents to schedule well-child visits for immunizations before summer.

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What changed

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued a notice highlighting a significant increase in measles cases, with 14 reported as of March 19, 2026, compared to five cases in the entirety of 2025. The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are urging parents and guardians to schedule primary care appointments for children to receive necessary immunizations and school-required physicals before the summer months.

This notice serves as a public health alert and a call to action for parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly the MMR or MMRV vaccine, to prevent measles. The RHHD is providing resources for families to access primary care services, including those with Medicaid, Medicare, or who are uninsured. The notice also points out that vaccination rates for certain vaccines (MenACWY, HPV, Tdap) are lower than state averages for 13-year-olds in Richmond City and Henrico County, emphasizing the need for increased vaccination efforts.

What to do next

Encourage parents to schedule well-child visits for immunizations.
Review current vaccination rates for school-required vaccines in relevant age groups.
Disseminate information on available vaccination resources for uninsured or underinsured children.

Source document (simplified)

March 19, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Encourages Parents and Guardians to Schedule Primary Care Appointments for Children Before Summer

RICHMOND, Va. — The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage families to schedule a wellness visit for children with their primary care provider before the summer months. These visits allow children to receive school-required immunizations and physicals before summer travel and activities.

Vaccines provide essential protection against serious diseases that can affect children. As of March 19, 2026, Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has already reported 14 cases of measles. VDH reported five cases of measles in all of 2025. A safe and effective vaccine that prevents measles is given as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine series.

Families can schedule appointments with a primary care physician or one of RHHD’s community partners. RHHD provides resources for families on Medicaid, Medicare, or who are uninsured at rhhd.gov/connect-pc. Please visit RHHD’s School Health Hub, Richmond Public Schools, or Henrico County Public Schools for more information.

“Spring is a great time for your child to see their primary care provider for a wellness visit,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “A primary care provider will make sure your child gets the immunizations and physicals they need for school and sports. Taking care of these important visits now means kids will have more time for summer fun and will be ready for school in the fall.”

School-Required Immunizations

The Code of Virginia requires children entering daycare, public and private schools to give proof of vaccination before enrollment. The Code of Virginia also requires specific vaccinations for rising seventh and 12 th graders. According to data from VDH, vaccination rates for Richmond City and Henrico County 13-year-olds are lower than Virginia statewide rates for the following vaccines:

meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY),
human papillomavirus (HPV)
tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) The Virginia childhood vaccine schedule aligns with the schedules of the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). All vaccines on these schedules are covered by Medicaid and private health insurance.

The Virginia Vaccines for Children Program (VVFC) provides free or low-cost vaccines for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid-enrolled children. Families can search for a nearby VFC at rhhd.gov/vfc.

Families with private insurance may schedule appointments with their primary care physician, a local pharmacy, or one of RHHD’s community partners. Families can learn more by visiting rhhd.gov/childhoodvax-partners.

Families without insurance or who are enrolled in Medicaid can schedule appointments at an RHHD clinic by calling 804-205-3500 and can find more information at rhhd.gov/childhoodvax. Students must bring a guardian, a copy of immunization records, and an insurance card if they have one.

School Physicals

The Code of Virginia requires children to have a school physical before starting public kindergarten or enrolling in elementary school for the first time. During a physical, a doctor can:

Identify potential health issues that could impact kids’ learning
Ensure kids have the immunizations they need
Promote healthy habits Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.