Medical Society of Virginia Foundation Announces 2026 Shapiro-Konerding Women in Medicine Leadership Award Recipient

Richmond, Va. (Oct. 20, 2026) — The Medical Society of Virginia Foundation (MSVF) is proud to announce that Jaclyn B. Wiggins, MD of Charlottesville has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Shapiro-Konerding Women in Medicine Leadership Award, which recognizes women physicians demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, mentorship, and service to medicine.  

Dr. Wiggins serves as Interim Associate Pediatric Residency Program Director, Associate Fellowship Program Director in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Virginia. 

“Dr. Wiggins exemplifies the vision of the Shapiro-Konerding Women in Medicine Leadership Fund through her exceptional integration of patient care, medical education, and systems-level leadership,” said the award selection committee. “Her work to advance competency-based assessment, curriculum transformation, and AI-enabled precision education is shaping the future of physician training while improving outcomes for both learners and patients.” 

A recognized leader in medical education, Dr. Wiggins has led initiatives focused on improving trainee development and performance, including NIH- and AMA-supported projects and innovative feedback systems designed to enhance clinical reasoning and learner growth. Colleagues and trainees consistently recognize her collaborative leadership style, outstanding teaching, and dedication to fostering learning environments that balance high expectations with psychological safety. 

“Dr. Wiggins has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising leaders in academic medicine,” said Jonathan Swanson, MD, MSc, MBA, Professor of Pediatrics, Chief Quality Officer for Children’s Services, and Director of the Division of Neonatology at the University of Virginia. “She combines visionary thinking with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of physicians. Her innovations are transforming medical education, and her mentorship is making a lasting impact on trainees and colleagues alike.” 

Dr. Wiggins is a member of the Medical Society of Virginia and is actively involved with the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative, where she contributes to the organization’s peri-viability project. 

About the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation 

The MSV Foundation (MSVF) advances opportunities for physicians to participate in health improvement efforts in Virginia by supporting programs and initiatives that equip physicians to best serve themselves, their patients and their communities. For more information, visit www.msv.org/foundation. 

The MSV Installs President Arturo Saavedra, MD, PhD as President at 2026 Annual Meeting

RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 19, 2026) – Arturo Saavedra, MD, PhD, of Richmond, Virginia, was installed as the president of the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) during the organization’s Annual Meeting held on October 18, 2026, in Roanoke. Dr. Saavedra currently serves as the executive vice president and provost for Virginia Commonwealth University. 

In his inaugural address, Dr. Saavedra emphasized that his presidency will be grounded in shared leadership and service to the profession. “As I look around this room, filled with some of the most dedicated physicians in Virginia, I am reminded that this is not my moment alone. This is our moment. Together, we will continue advancing medicine, mentoring future physicians, and serving the common good,” he said. 

As part of that focus, Dr. Saavedra framed Virginia’s physician workforce challenges as a patient-access issue, emphasizing that the data behind workforce shortages ultimately reflects real people and real barriers to care. “When we talk about the physician workforce, it is easy to make this a conversation about numbers—how many physicians we have, how many we need and where they practice,” he said. “But every one of those numbers eventually becomes a patient story.” 

Dr. Saavedra’s presidential platform will focus on strengthening Virginia’s physician workforce, reducing administrative burdens, and advancing solutions that improve timely access to care for patients across the Commonwealth. He noted that workforce shortages show up in everyday patient experiences: the parent trying to find a pediatric specialist, the older Virginian waiting months for an appointment, the rural patient driving an hour for care, and the physician whose day is increasingly consumed by downcoding, credentialing, or appeals issues instead of patient care. 

After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in Biological Sciences, Dr. Saavedra received a combined medical and doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania, with specialized training in pharmacology. He completed his residency training in internal medicine at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he was also chief resident. He graduated from the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Training Program and completed his fellowship in dermatopathology. He also earned an MBA in entrepreneurial finance from the Babson College Graduate School of Business. 

Throughout the coming year, Dr. Saavedra will elevate his platform by keeping the connection between physician support and patient access at the center of MSV’s work. His leadership will underscore that strengthening the physician workforce is not only about supporting the profession, but also about ensuring Virginians can receive the care they need, when and where they need it. 

About the Medical Society of Virginia 

The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) serves as the voice for more than 30,000 physicians, residents, medical students, PAs and PA students, representing all medical specialties in all regions of the Commonwealth. The association was founded in 1820 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. MSV strives to advance high-quality healthcare and make Virginia the best place to practice medicine and receive care. 

The Medical Society of Virginia Foundation Recognizes Seven Outstanding Physicians

Richmond, Va. (Oct. 20, 2026) –The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) Foundation announced the winners of their annual Salute to Service Awards at their Physicians Gala in Roanoke, Virginia on Saturday, October 18, 2026. Seven Virginia physicians are being recognized from across the Commonwealth for their outstanding service in six categories: Service to — the Profession, the Uninsured and Underinsured, by an Early Career Physician, a Medical Student or Resident Advancing Patient Safety and Quality Improvement, and Distinguished Medical School Faculty Service Award.  

The premiere award, Service to the Profession, has been given to Dr. Harry L. Gewanter, MD, FAAP, MACR, former president of the Medical Society of Virginia and the Richmond Pediatric Society. 

 

The 2025 Winners of the MSV Foundation’s Salute to Service Awards include: 

  • Guiliano Melki, MD, Emergency Medicine Residency, Virginia Commonwealth University, Service by a Medical Student or Resident  
  • Jordyn Griffin, MD, MS of Richmond, Service by an Early Career Physician 
  • Peter Kenneth O’Brien, MD, FACC of Lynchburg, Service for Advancing Patient Safety and Quality Improvement 
  • Bruce Lo, MD, FACEP of Old Dominion University, Service by a Distinguished Medical School Faculty Member 
  • Andrew Mihalek, MD of University of Virginia, Service by a Distinguished Medical School Faculty Member 
  • Bridget M. Bryer, MD of Charlottesville, Service to the Uninsured and Underserved 
  • Harry L. Gewanter, MD, FAAP, MACR of Richmond, Service to the Profession 

 

The MSV Foundation created the annual Salute to Service Awards in 2004 to recognize outstanding efforts of physicians, residents, and medical students who are dedicated to creating and nurturing a caring health promotion and disease prevention environment by providing service on behalf of patients everywhere.  

About the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation 

The MSV Foundation (MSVF) advances opportunities for physicians to participate in health improvement efforts in Virginia by supporting programs and initiatives that equip physicians to best serve themselves, their patients and their communities. For more information, visit www.msv.org/foundation. 

MSV Partners with Mduo

A one-sided negotiation is no negotiation at all.

Unfortunately, too many physicians are kept in the dark when it comes to knowing their true market value. Understanding compensation benchmarks, contract terms and career options empower doctors to better shape their income and careers for years to come.

That’s the power of Career Care AI.

The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) has partnered with mduo to bring the doctors of Virginia the latest in career intelligence. With our new MSV Career Care Center, members benefit from personalized insights that are tailored specifically to your career stage — from residency to retirement.

“Physicians thrive on the latest insights and evidence,” said Melina Davis, Executive Vice President and CEO of MSV. “That’s why MSV is dedicated to putting the power of career intelligence in doctors’ hands.”

Knowing your worth means every Virginia physician now has the evidence needed to maximize your career.

Your member benefits include Virginia-specific salary insights, personalized compensation data, AI-powered contract analysis, early access to physician opportunities across Virginia and Career Care AI to help answer the professional questions that matter to you. Plus, MSV members can earn a $1,000 referral bonus when any physician they recommend is hired.

Log in to your Career Care Center → mduo.ai/virginia

2026 Nominating Committee Report

The Nominating Committee considered all eligible candidates for the upcoming term of office. The committee recommends the following slate for consideration by the society membership. 

MSV BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Term 2026-2027/2028 

Officers (Elected for 1-year term)

President-Elect | Michele Nedelka, MD
Speaker | Atul Marathe, MD
Vice Speaker | Josh Lesko, MD

Directors (Elected for 2-year term)

District 2 John Sweeney, MD

District 2 Sharon Sheffield, MD

District 6 Daniel Pauly, MD

District 8 Marc Alembik, MD

District 10 Lauren Grawert, MD

District 10 Soheila Rostami, MD

Academic Peter Netland, MD

 

Directors (Elected for 1-year term)

MSV Foundation Lee Ouyang, MD

Resident Kira Dubester MD (UVA)

Medical Student Vignesh Senthilkumar (UVA)

Associate Directors (Elected for 2-year term)

District 2 Jessica Burgess, MD  

District 6 Mark Kleiner, MD  

District 8 Zerline Chambers-Kersey, MD 

District 10  Barbara Boardman, MD 

Academic Scott Strayer, MD (VCU) 

 

Associate Directors (Elected for 1-year term)

District 5 (at-large) Jacqueline Fogarty, MD

Resident Morgan Hopp, MD (Inova)   

Medical Student Russell Hawes, III (UVA) 

 

Virginia Delegation to the American Medical Association Term 2026-2027

Elected for a 2-year term
DELEGATES                                                                   

Thomas Eppes, Jr. MD

Joshua Lesko, MD

Lee Ouyang, MD

ALTERNATE DELEGATES

Mohit Nanda, MD

2026-2027 NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Elected for a 1-year term

District 1     Sterling Ransone, MD (Chair) 

District 2    Cynthia Romero, MD   

District 3    Tovia Smith, MD  

District 5     Pradeep Pradhan, MD  

District 6  Mark Kleiner, MD  

District 7     Claudette Dalton, MD  

District 8     Carol Shapiro, MD  

District 9     Abraham Hardee, DO  

District 10 Andrea Giacometti, MD  

Academic    Carolyn Burns, MD  

AMA Advisor  Clifford Deal, MD   

2024-2025 Former President Advisor  Joel Bundy, MD  

2025-2026 Former President Advisor  Mark Townsend, MD  

Electronic Death Registration System Update

As a result of HB156/SB194, effective July 1, 2026, physicians, APRNs, and PAs applying for initial licensure or renewing their licenses will be required to indicate whether they expect their scope of practice to include signing death certificates. If so, they must also attest that they have completed the online tutorial for the Electronic Death Registration System available on the Department of Health’s website.

Providers impacted by this change can meet the requirements of the bill by watching an 8-minute video on the Department of Health’s website here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/electronic-death-registration-system/training/

The website also contains additional information and tutorials to help providers understand the Electronic Death Registration System and fulfill the training requirements.

Updates on Measles Outbreak and Vaccine Recommendations in Virginia

August 19, 2026

VDH Declares End to Measles Outbreak in Buckingham and Cumberland Counties

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) recently announced the end of the 2026 measles outbreak in Buckingham and Cumberland Counties. The last confirmed outbreak-associated case was reported on June 29. An outbreak of measles is considered over after 42 days (two 21-day incubation periods) have passed without identifying a new case.

The outbreak resulted in 154 measles cases counted since May 5. All cases were in people who were not vaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. Over a third of cases (38%) were in adults 18 years of age or older. Four people were hospitalized with measles-related complications during this outbreak. No deaths were reported.

VDH announces the end of this outbreak with cautious optimism. The risk of measles reintroduction remains high in the Commonwealth as measles cases continue to rise across the nation and globally. Although the local health department continues to closely monitor the areas affected by the outbreak and will rapidly respond to any suspect cases, there could be measles cases that are not known to VDH. Localities with MMR vaccination coverage rates lower than 95% are vulnerable to measles outbreaks.

During the outbreak, VDH issued outbreak-specific vaccination recommendations for the affected areas to enhance protection when the risk of exposure to measles was high in the community. Now that the outbreak has ended, these outbreak vaccination recommendations are no longer in effect for these areas.

Outbreaks such as this are good reminders of the importance of vaccination, particularly during the time of year when many families are sending their children back to school.

Despite the outbreak ending, VDH encourages all clinicians across the Commonwealth to:

  • Ensure your patients are up to date on routinely recommended MMR vaccinations for children and adults.
  • Encourage your patients who will be travelling internationally or to an outbreak area to consider measles in their travel plans, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months.
  • Maintain a high index of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with fever and rash, especially in those who are unvaccinated.
  • Immediately report suspected or confirmed measles cases to your local health department. Please do not wait for laboratory confirmation.
  • Check the immune status of the healthcare providers on your teams and take readiness steps for your facility.
  • Visit VDH’s Measles Information for Healthcare Providers website for the latest information about measles in Virginia.

VDH Remains Committed to Vaccines and School Required Immunizations

On August 11, 2026, in response to a recent Presidential Executive Order, VDH issued a news release reaffirming our commitment to vaccines as an essential tool in protecting the health of children, their families, and their communities.

The Presidential Executive Order does not change our vaccine recommendations or school immunization requirements in Virginia. VDH continues to recommend 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 AAP and the American Academy of Family Physicians when engaging in shared clinical decision-making with parents, caregivers, and patients.

Virginia is already taking action to evaluate and protect access to vaccines. Pursuant to Item 278 M1, Ch 1, 2026 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, VDH will convene its newly established Workgroup on Childhood Immunization Schedules and Public Health Emergencies in late August 2026. This group will bring together key partners – including healthcare practitioners, insurance representatives, and public health stakeholders – to review Virginia’s statutory and regulatory frameworks pertaining to access to childhood and emergency immunizations. We will provide updates on the efforts of this important group as they become available.

On behalf of the entire VDH team, thank you for your partnership, dedication and determination in keeping Virginians safe and healthy.

Update on Bicillin L-A® Shortage in Virginia

Dear Colleague,

This letter provides updated information about the ongoing national shortage of Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A®) and the availability of alternative medication to treat syphilis.

Ongoing Bicillin L-A® Shortage and Impact to Virginians

The recovery date for the ongoing national shortage of Bicillin L-A® has been extended to the fourth quarter of 2027. Benzathine Penicillin G is the only recommended treatment for pregnant women and babies with congenital syphilis. In response to the ongoing national shortage, VDH is currently prioritizing select groups of patients to receive Bicillin L-A® in local health department clinics to treat or prevent syphilis:

  • Women of any age who are pregnant.
  • Women of reproductive age (15-44) regardless of pregnancy status.
  • Partners of pregnant women with syphilis.
  • Patients who cannot take doxycycline or are highly unlikely to comply with an oral treatment regimen, on a case-by-case basis, and as supply allows.

VDH may consider further restricting Bicillin L-A® to only pregnant patients in the future if required, based on forecasted need. Providers should continue to observe the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to treat non-pregnant adults with alternative regimens.

VDH continues to maintain a small program to deliver free injectable syphilis treatment to providers who can administer treatment and who have identified syphilis in a pregnant woman or person allergic to doxycycline.

Alternative Syphilis Treatment Regimens

Doxycycline

Doxycycline can be used to treat non-pregnant adult patients diagnosed with or exposed to syphilis. Based on stage of infection, the recommended course of treatment with doxycycline is:

  • 100mg by mouth, twice daily for 14 days for early syphilis (one year of duration or less)
  • 100mg by mouth, twice daily for 28 days for late latent or syphilis of unknown duration.

Please remind patients of the importance of taking all medication as prescribed. Reevaluation for appropriate medication and treatment duration for syphilis is necessary to ensure completion of treatment when poor adherence or intolerance is suspected.

Lentocilin

Benzathine benzylpenicillin tetrahydrate (Lentocilin) is a therapeutic equivalent of Bicillin L-A® which is being temporarily imported into the U.S. in response to the shortage. The CDC has shared guidance for the use of Lentocilin which outlines key differences between the two drugs,and procedures for use. Lentocilin is available for purchase through Cost Plus Drugs.

Other intramuscular formulations of penicillin (such as Bicillin C-R) are not acceptable alternatives for the treatment of syphilis.

Regardless of the antibiotic used, follow up clinically and serologically to ensure at least a fourfold decrease in non-treponemal (RPR) titer occurs within 12 months (in early syphilis) and within 24 months (in latent syphilis). Lack of response in the expected timeframe, comorbidities such as HIV, and/or increases in titers after treatment may require evaluation for reinfection, inadequate treatment and/or neurosyphilis. Neurosyphilis can occur at any stage of syphilis. Patients who meet clinical criteria for neurosyphilis, ocular syphilis, or otic syphilis should be treated with aqueous crystalline penicillin G, 18-24 million units per day, administered as 3-4 million units intravenously every four hours, or continuous infusion for 10-14 days.

Additional Recommendations for Syphilis Prevention

  • Screen all pregnant women for syphilis at three points during pregnancy: at first prenatal visit, in the early third trimester (28-32 weeks), and at delivery. Additional screening may be necessary if clinical presentation and/or history suggest a concern for reinfection.
  • Screen all sexually active people aged 15-44 years residing in cities and counties with elevated rates of syphilis, regardless of reported risk behaviors. In 2024, 85% of the reproductive-age population of Virginia resided in an area with elevated rates of syphilis.
  • Consider point-of-care (POC) syphilis testing in settings where immediate results can expedite treatment and reduce congenital syphilis risk. Positive POC results require additional testing and follow-up to confirm the preliminary rapid test result.
  • Discuss doxy PEP with patients who it could benefit. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated significant reductions in syphilis in patients taking doxy PEP as prescribed.
  • Refer to VDH’s syphilis resource page and our prior healthcare provider letter from June 2025 for more information.

Any questions about syphilis in Virginia can be referred to Oana Vasiliu at [email protected].

Thank you again for your continued partnership in STI prevention.

Sincerely,

Cameron Webb, MD, JD

State Health Commissioner

Medical Malpractice Data Recording Update

The State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance has posted the required data call templates and instructions for medical malpractice liability data reporting under Chapter 1015 of the 2026 Acts of Assembly (formerly Senate Bill 536), which is codified at Code of Virginia § 8.01‑581.15:1. These materials are available at: https://www.scc.virginia.gov/consumers/insurance/resources-ins-consumer/med-mal-data-reporting/

Entities required to report must download the appropriate template, complete all sections, and submit their responses for Calendar Year 2025 on or before October 1, 2026. Completed responses should be emailed to [email protected]. Please use the following subject lines to ensure proper routing:

  • For insurance companies: “Medmal Data Call Response – Insurer“
  • For self‑insured medical care facilities and health care providers: “Medmal Data Call Response – Self‑Insured“

As a reminder, the following entities are required to report:

  • Insurers issuing medical malpractice liability insurance policies covering health care providers in the Commonwealth
  • Medical care facilities (as defined in § 32.1-3) and health care providers that maintain self-insurance, captive insurance, risk retention arrangements, or other retained financial risk for medical malpractice liability

The Bureau of Insurance will also hold an informational call before Labor Day (date and time TBD) to walk through the templates, answer questions, and help ensure a smooth submission process. We’ll provide the relevant details once they become available. 

For questions regarding the collection and submission of this data, please reach out to [email protected].

Virginia Department of Health Commits to Evidence-Based Vaccine Recommendations and Ensuring Access to Childhood Vaccinations

The Medical Society of Virginia supports the statement and position of The Virginia Department of Health on evidence-based vaccine recommendations. Statement below. 

To see MSV’s full vaccine policy please visit pages 130 and 131 of the policy compendium.

Virginia Department of Health Commits to Evidence-Based Vaccine Recommendations and Ensuring Access to Childhood Vaccinations 

Richmond, Va. – In response to the recent Presidential Executive Order pertaining to childhood vaccine recommendations, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reaffirming its previously stated commitment to vaccines as an essential tool in protecting the health of children, their families, and their communities. 

The Presidential Executive Order does not change vaccine recommendations or school immunization requirements in Virginia. VDH continues to recommend 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.   

“Virginia’s families should be able to trust that our vaccine recommendations are grounded in the best available science and focused on protecting the health and well-being of their children,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “The evidence supporting the AAP immunization schedule is extensive, and we remain confident that following it is one of the best ways to protect children from serious, preventable diseases. VDH will continue to follow the evidence, work with trusted clinical partners, and ensure families have access to the vaccines and reliable information they need.” 

“The Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (VA AAP) stands behind the AAP’s Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, which is evidenced-based and rooted in decades of research and data,” said Dr. Erin Brickley, a practicing pediatrician in Marion, Va., and chair of the VA AAP’s Immunization Committee. “We will work together with VDH to continue protecting Virginia children from vaccine-preventable illnesses and ensuring parents have accurate information regarding the importance of on-time immunization.” 

Virginia is already taking action to evaluate and protect access to vaccines.  Pursuant to Item 278 M1, Ch 1, 2026 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, VDH will convene its newly established Workgroup on Childhood Immunization Schedules and Public Health Emergencies in late August 2026. This group will bring together key partners – including healthcare practitioners, insurance representatives, and public health stakeholders – to review Virginia’s statutory and regulatory frameworks pertaining to access to childhood and emergency immunizations. 

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.   

Update 8/13/2026

Va.’s vaccine recommendations, requirements won’t change after Trump order, officials say

After President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday to alter childhood vaccine guidance, Virginia’s Department of Health on Tuesday reaffirmed the state’s requirements and recommendations for all children to be vaccinated. 

VDH Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb said that Virginia families should trust the state’s decisions to be “grounded in the best available science.” 

“The evidence supporting the (American Academy of Pediatrics) immunization schedule is extensive, and we remain confident that following it is one of the best ways to protect children from serious, preventable diseases,” Webb said.

Trump’s order recommends all children receive immunizations for 11 diseases — measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenza type B, pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus, and varicella. 

It also suggests high-risk populations get vaccinated for “respiratory syncytial virus monoclonal antibodies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal B, meningococcal ACWY, and dengue.” 

The order lists vaccines for diseases like influenza and COVID-19 as immunizations “based on shared clinical decision-making.” 

The move is consistent with theTrump administration’s public statements that patients and parents should decide whether to get certain vaccines, rather than treating them as required preventative measures.

Trump’s order also calls for splitting up the combined measles, mumps and rubella — or MMR vaccine — into three separate single-disease shots administered at different times, instead of one visit. 

Single-disease shots of that nature are not currently available in the U.S., White House officials acknowledged in a call with media, but they suggested private sector development could make the options available. 

Measles, in particular, has been on the rise in Virginia this year, with the bulk of cases occurring in young children. Some parents have been more likely to follow anti-vaccine trends that emerged in the early 2000s and have resurfaced more recently. 

When signing the order alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump connected vaccines with autism — a scientifically unproven claim Kennedy has championed for decades amid national anti-vaccine sentiments. 

While the current order still notes the importance of certain vaccines, the administration previously sought to de-emphasize the importance of childhood vaccines. 

Kennedy has previously recommended against the measles vaccine but he made comments in a recent Congressional hearing and to reporters this spring that he now recommends it. 

State health departments set vaccine recommendations, but the federal government could challenge states in some cases for bucking the order. 

The president said that the order directs the attorney general to “advance legal challenges against states that violate children’s rights to religious or medical vaccination exemptions.”

The order expressed commitment to “protecting religious liberty and parental authority.”

A Virginian workgroup will meet later this month composed of healthcare workers, insurance representatives and public health officials to review the state’s statutory and regulatory frameworks for access to childhood and emergency immunizations.

In the meantime, Virginia continues to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics latest immunization schedule. 

“VDH will continue to follow the evidence, work with trusted clinical partners, and ensure families have access to the vaccines and reliable information they need,” Webb said.

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