HENRICO, VA (February 26, 2026) — After careful review of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) pediatric vaccination schedule and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) vaccination guidelines, Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA), representing Virginia’s network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), recommends that children in the Commonwealth be vaccinated according to the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule.
Healthcare providers at Virginia’s Community Health Centers (CHCs) are encouraged to draw upon their medical expertise and clinical experience, incorporating current evidence-based guidelines from the AAP as they collaborate with families in making informed healthcare decisions for their children.
VCHA recognizes that some parents, guardians and patients have concerns about the effects of vaccinations and have chosen not to vaccinate their children. VCHA strongly encourages these families to talk with their healthcare providers about their hesitancy, the symptoms and risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the potential implications if their child contracts one of these diseases.
VCHA encourages all parents, guardians and patients to seek information from trusted medical sources published by the AAP.
VCHA’s hope is that through open dialogue, education, and evidence-based information, families can make informed decisions about vaccination so that all children in Virginia can lead happy, healthy and thriving lives.
About Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA)
Founded in 1980, VCHA is a non-profit membership organization serving as the primary care association for Virginia’s community health centers and look-alike health centers. Its mission is to advocate, educate, and elevate member health centers, enhancing their ability to provide affordable, accessible, quality healthcare to all communities, regardless of ability to pay. For more information, visit www.vcha.org.
