Henrico Schools' walk-in immunization clinics prove successful

Henrico Schools officials were able to reduce the number of public school students who still need immunizations from 1,374 to 388 during the first week of school by holding six free walk-in vaccination clinics in schools. HCPS officials said they were particularly targeting preschool and kindergarten students, as well as seventh and 12th grade students who have new immunization requirements.

The clinics helped in “removing down barriers” for families who could not access a pediatrician in time by the first week of school," Fairfield District board member Roscoe Cooper, III said.

“I was at Wilder Middle School and there was a line out the door of parents and guardians with their kids,” he said. “The feedback I’ve received is expressing appreciation for the clinics that have been held because they’ve made it convenient and accessible for many of our families.”

The 388 students who still need immunizations or physicals are not able to be enrolled until these requirements are completed, so school nurses and administration are working directly with these families, Henrico Schools Superintendent Amy Cashwell said.

“At this point it’s identifying the specific families where the need is. So we know the 300 students where this is an issue,” she said. “It’s a little more personal at this point.”

When it comes to student wellness, however, Cooper pointed out that many teachers and parents feel that they have to purchase cleaning or sanitary supplies for their classrooms.

“I receive feedback regarding concern that there’s no cleaning budget and that parents are forced to provide cleaning supplies such as disinfectant spray, disinfectant wipes, tissues, etc. for our schools, otherwise our teachers would be burdened with footing the cost,” he said.

Cashwell emphasized that every school is stocked with cleaning supplies for custodial staff and for classroom teachers.

“Some teachers like to have community supplies donated to the classroom and make those as requests on their supply lists, but shouldn’t be requirements for students to have to start the year,” she said.

Henrico Schools officials should ensure that teachers know they are not burdened with the extra task of purchasing cleaning supplies, Cooper said.

“I don’t want anyone thinking that we do not supply our schools, our individual classrooms, with whatever cleaning supplies they need,” he said.

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Liana Hardy is the Citizen’s Report for America Corps member and education reporter. Her position is dependent upon reader support; make a tax-deductible contribution to the Citizen through RFA here.