Presidential Inauguration 2009

Prepare, protect and use your common sense

Many visitors plan to travel to our nation’s capital this month to join the festivities marking the inauguration of our new president. The Virginia Department of Health wants you to know how to protect your health and safety as you enjoy this historic event. more>>

Multi-state Salmonella Typhimurium Investigation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with public health officials in many states and the USDA-Food Safety Inspection Service and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate an ongoing multi-state outbreak of human infections due to Salmonella serotype Typhimurium. More information about the investigation…

A Message from the Commissioner/Overview

Welcome to the Virginia Department of Health’s Web site. Our Web site is designed to be user friendly and I certainly hope you find that to be the case.

The mission of VDH is “To promote and protect the health of all Virginians.” Our vision statement is “Healthy people in healthy communities.” To fulfill our mission and achieve our vision, VDH’s scope of responsibility is very broad and far reaching. This is demonstrated by the vast range of public health programs and activities that are referenced on our site.

Thank you again for visiting the VDH Web site and for your interest in our public health system. Click here for more agency info>>

Sincerely, Karen Remley, M.D., MBA

State Health Commissioner

Influenza Antiviral Drug Resistance

As a result of low U.S. flu activity, few viruses have been available to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for antiviral resistance testing thus far. However, among viruses tested this season, a high proportion of the few influenza A (H1N1) viruses analyzed by CDC have been resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). Antiviral medication is not the same as the flu shot. The 2008-09 influenza vaccine is expected to be effective in preventing or reducing the severity of illness with currently circulating influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant influenza A (H1N1) virus strains. Flu season typically peaks in January or February so it is not too late to get a flu shot.

SHIGELLOSIS: Protecting you and your children

Cases of the infectious disease shigellosis are increasing in Virginia and the Virginia Department of Health wants you to know the steps you can take to protect your family. more>>

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Disease Information and Prevention
Click here for information about infectious diseases, chronic disease prevention, cancer, HIV, STDs, and more.

Healthy Living
Check here for information about women’s health, childhood immunizations, WIC, and other ways you can keep your family safe and healthy.

Health Records and Statistics
Click here for information about birth, death, marriage, and divorce records as well as Virginia health data.

Preparing and Responding to Emergencies
Learn about Virginia’s preparedness efforts and how to keep your family prepared and safe during natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods and man-made disasters like bioterrorism.

Hometown Health
Find out how your local health department is working to keep your community healthy.

Protecting Your Environment
Click here to find out about VDH programs to protect your drinking water and to regulate seafood distributors and restaurants.

Regulation and Licensing
Find out more about VDH regulations and licensing of health care providers, emergency response agencies, restaurants and shellfish distributors, and drinking water and wastewater providers.

Newsroom
Resources for the media and the latest news about VDH. Visit the newsroom and sign up to receive the latest news delivered right to your inbox.

Showing Support for Virginia National Guard and Reserves. Last fall, Governor Kaine signed the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support. By signing this document, he pledged his support to the men and women proudly serving in the Virginia National Guard and Reserves and also to the agencies employing these individuals. It is imperative that the Commonwealth foster collaboration between the entities to ensure that policies and practices are carried out as we fight the war of terrorism and protect our nation.

You can "Own Your Future" by preparing now for your long-term care needs. Click here to view a brief Public Service Announcement from Commonwealth of Virginia Governor Tim Kaine.

Virginia Easy Access is a web portal for seniors and adults with disabilities and the providers that support them. Virginia Easy Access is easy to understand and use and provides information about a variety of informational topics of particular interest to these populations including information on public benefits and programs.

2-1-1 VIRGINIA is helping individuals with disabilities find employment in the private sector and in federal, state and local government branches. Learn more by visiting the Job Accommodation Network site, just one of 2-1-1 VIRGINIA’s many health and human service referral links.

Are you, or someone you know, having problems affording the medicines prescribed by your doctor? Many companies that make commonly prescribed medicines have Prescription Assistance Programs, through which qualifying patients (or their doctors) receive medicines at low or no cost. For more information visit the Prescription Assistance Programs Web site or call our hotline at 1-866-531-3065.

New Together Rx Access™ card offers Americans with no prescription drug coverage savings at the pharmacy counter.

Own Your Future: Virginia's Long-Term Care Awareness Campaign

Last Updated: 01-14-2009

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