The Staunton City Council held a work session and regular meeting on April 24, 2025, addressing several key public health issues. The meeting featured a presentation from a health department representative who discussed vaccination trends and tuberculosis (TB) screenings.
The representative noted a concerning trend in vaccination rates, specifically for measles, which currently stands at 94 percent in Virginia. This figure is below the 95 percent threshold necessary to prevent outbreaks, indicating a potential drift in vaccination uptake. The representative attributed this decline to post-pandemic fatigue and growing distrust in vaccines among the public. They acknowledged the need for further data on varicella and pertussis cases, which have been rising, and committed to providing those numbers in the future.
Additionally, the health department confirmed that TB screenings have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with services fully operational. Changes in screening frequency for healthcare workers were mentioned, but overall TB services remain unchanged.
The meeting concluded with council members expressing gratitude for the health department's efforts and the representative's insights. No further questions were raised, and the session wrapped up with a note of appreciation for the ongoing public health initiatives in the community.