Virginia Department of Health

09/10/2026

Everyone is unique!

If you have a disability or unique medical needs, talk to your doctor about how to prepare for those needs during a disaster.

09/10/2026

, the food regulation updates go into effect today!

📣Virginia Food Regulation updates take effect September 10, 2026! 📣

Food establishments across Virginia should be aware of several important updates to food safety requirements, including:
🥜Sesame is now the 9th major food allergen
📝Food Establishments must disclose the presence of allergens in food
🍽️New provisions related to preparing foods with manufacturer’s cooking instructions
🌡️Updated requirements for monitoring TCS food temperatures during thawing
🚰Hot water minimum temperature is now 85°F
🚭Tobacco-use provisions now include vapes, pouches, and other ni****ne products
🦪Updated requirements for documenting the source of molluscan shellfish
📒The Person in Charge (PIC) also has updated responsibilities related to allergen awareness and employee training.

Learn more about the food regulations updates at https://ow.ly/QfXP50ZIL7v

09/09/2026

988 is there for you when you are in crisis.

Free, confidential assistance is available 24/7 via phone call, text, chat, or ASL. Just dial or text 988, or go to 988va.org

09/08/2026

Preparing for emergencies isn't just for parents! Make your whole family part of the process — for their own safety and sense of empowerment.

✅Build an emergency kit together
✅Talk about your communications plan
✅Role-play what you would do during a disaster
✅Practice drills in your house

09/07/2026

Today, we recognize World Field Epidemiology Day and celebrate the epidemiologists whose work touches communities across the world – and Virginia – every single day.

To our epidemiologists across VDH—thank you for the dedication and care you bring to every investigation, every analysis, every response.

09/07/2026

There’s a simple way to keep your guests safe at your Labor Day picnic.

Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

To avoid food poisoning don't leave perishable food out for more than two hours.

Learn more food safety tips at www.cdc.gov/foodsafety

09/05/2026

Get ready to grill safely! 🫕
1️⃣Clean
2️⃣Separate
3️⃣Cook

Clean your hands, work surfaces, utensils, and the grill before and after cooking. 🧼
Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other food in your shopping cart and fridge. 🥩
Cook foods to the right temperature to kill harmful germs. 🌡️

Learn more food safety tips at www.cdc.gov/foodsafety

09/04/2026

📣Virginia Food Regulation updates take effect September 10, 2026! 📣

Food establishments across Virginia should be aware of several important updates to food safety requirements, including:
🥜Sesame is now the 9th major food allergen
📝Food Establishments must disclose the presence of allergens in food
🍽️New provisions related to preparing foods with manufacturer’s cooking instructions
🌡️Updated requirements for monitoring TCS food temperatures during thawing
🚰Hot water minimum temperature is now 85°F
🚭Tobacco-use provisions now include vapes, pouches, and other ni****ne products
🦪Updated requirements for documenting the source of molluscan shellfish
📒The Person in Charge (PIC) also has updated responsibilities related to allergen awareness and employee training.

Learn more about the food regulations updates at https://ow.ly/QfXP50ZIL7v

09/03/2026

With respiratory virus season approaching, VDH endorses recently released vaccine recommendations from leading medical associations.

VDH encourages healthcare providers to draw on their clinical training and professional judgment, along with the latest evidence and scientific information, when talking with patients, parents, and caregivers.

Read more at https://ow.ly/i4Ox50ZIY2Q

09/03/2026

This September VDH recognizes Sickle Cell Awareness Month and Newborn Screening Awareness Month with a simple message: Know. Screen. Connect.

🔹Know your sickle cell status.
🔹Understand the lifesaving role of newborn screening.
🔹Connect people and families living with sickle cell disease to the specialized care and support they need.

Read more at https://ow.ly/KqMm50ZIrHF