The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging parents to have their children immunized this month to avoid the back-to-school immunization rush in August. Department of Health offices statewide are providing free immunization services for children who are entering school for the first time and those who are returning to class in the upcoming school year. Parents of kindergartners and 7th graders are encouraged to review their children’s immunization record to ensure they are ready for the upcoming school year. Students entering college are also encouraged to ensure that their immunizations are up to date.
“Vaccines provide the best defense to protect you and your family from the spread of infectious diseases,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “This summer, I encourage Florida’s parents to get their kids ready for the school year by taking advantage of immunization services in our counties.”
Vaccines help develop immunity to countless infectious diseases by enabling the body to recognize and fight vaccine-preventable diseases. The following vaccines are required for children entering pre-school and grades K-12: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B. Students entering college should check with the health services at their college regarding immunization requirements.
If your child is due for a vaccine, please visit your child’s healthcare provider or one of our health department clinics. Visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/immune/children/schedules/school-requirements.html to learn which immunizations your child may need. Call your local county health department to find out if immunization services are available near you. Contact information for the Department of Health offices in each of Florida’s 67 counties can be found online at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdsitelist.htm.
