DOH Leon Recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month 

August 3, 2022

DOH Leon Recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month

Take steps to make sure your children are ready to return to school with recommended vaccinations.

Tallahassee, Fla— The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon) recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month.  This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your lifetime. You have the power to protect yourself and your family against vaccine-preventable disease, such as chicken pox, measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and pneumonia.

As children across Leon County head back to school this month, DOH Leon reminds families that vaccinations are an important part of back-to-school success and overall health and well-being.

Whether children are homeschooled or attend a public, private, charter or religious school, state laws require they stay up to date for certain vaccinations based on their age, as recommended by the CDC.

Keeping children up to date on vaccinations is the best way to keep them healthy and reduce unnecessary absences from school. Children who are uninsured can still be vaccinated at low or no cost through the Vaccines for Children program which offers free vaccines to children through 18 years of age.

DOH Leon offers immunizations by appointment only at the Roberts & Stevens Clinic located at 1515 Old Bainbridge Road.  Parents or guardians are advised to bring a copy of their immunization records if available and a valid picture ID. Call 850-404-6356 to schedule an appointment.

“Vaccination is a key public health priority; important because it not only protects the vaccinated person, but also prevents the spread of disease in the community, said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, DOH Leon Interim Health Officer.  “This is especially vital to those most vulnerable to serious complications: infants and young children, elderly, and those with chronic conditions and weakened immune systems.”

Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective and successful means available for preventing disease and death. They help protect vaccinated individuals and our entire community by reducing and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Everyone should have their vaccination needs assessed regularly by their healthcare provider or at their pharmacy. Immunization is a shared responsibility.

The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have more information and resources for parents and guardians:

• List of all vaccines required for school attendance, from kindergarten through 12th grade
• CDC’s immunization catch up schedule.
• Parents unsure which vaccines their children need at any age, can find out what is needed by visiting the Child and Adolescent Immunization page on the CDC website.

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