“Tweens” 11 and 12 years of age should take the time to catch up on missed childhood vaccines this week.
The Orange County Health Department is observing Preteen Vaccine Week during the period February 13-19, aiming to motivate parents and raise awareness to get their preteens missed childhood vaccines such as, Tdap, Flu, Meningococcal, and HPV, a statement from the Orange County Health Department said.
“This is a good time for parents to schedule a medical check-up for their preteen to make sure their child has all of the vaccines to prevent serious, and sometimes life threatening diseases,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department.
Vaccines For Children (VFC) is a federally funded program which provides vaccines to children under the age of 18 at no cost. Parents who do not have health insurance for their preteen may qualify for this program. They can check with any healthcare provider for eligibility requirements.
These vaccines as well as others are available at the Orange County Health Department’s Central Health Center located at 832 West Central Boulevard, Monday through Friday from 7:30am- 3:00pm on a first-come, first-serve walk in basis. The immunization program is closed the 2nd Friday of each month.
For more information, go to www.doh.state.fl.us/Disease_ctrl/immune/adult/ptvw.htm or www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol/07gallery/default.htm.
