The Virginia Department of Health also recommends that children receive vaccinations according to the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, Almond said. The importance of childhood vaccinations has been highlighted by a recent measles outbreak in the Piedmont district. Providers have been required to report all vaccinations to Virginia’s Immunization Information System only since Jan. 1, 2022. Keeping children current on vaccinations can reduce severe illness and unnecessary absences from school, Almond said. Almond said each vaccine included on the childhood immunization schedule has been recommended following significant research and analysis.