Leon County public schools open August 13 

Tallahassee – The Florida Department of Health in Leon County encourages parents to contact their health care providers now to have their children vaccinated for the 2018-19 school year.

Leon County public schools open August 13.

“It’s never too early for back-to-school vaccinations,” DOH-Leon Health Officer Claudia Blackburn said. “Beat the rush that we see every summer and get your child vaccinated for school now.”

All students who are new to Florida schools must provide a Florida certified immunization record (DH680) prior to starting school, including preschool/VPK.

All students entering kindergarten have required and recommended vaccinations, with certified a DH680 form required to be submitted before your child can attend school.

Children entering Kindergarten must have completed the recommended immunization series, which can be done as early as 4 years of age.

All students entering 7^th grade have required and recommended vaccinations, with an updated certified DH680 form required to be submitted before your child can begin 7^th grade.

Vaccines recommended for children entering the 7^th grade include: TDAP, Meningitis ACWY (first at 11 years and second at 16 years) and HPV (two-shot series if completed by 16, otherwise three-shot series). Vaccinations may be completed as early as 11 years of age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends vaccinations at 16 years of age for Meningitis B and to complete the Meningitis and HPV series (if not already completed).

Don’t Wait: Immunize Now!

DOH-Leon is encouraging parents to contact their primary health care providers now to obtain required vaccinations for children based on their age and school grade. Appointments at primary care providers tend to be unavailable and wait times extended in the last few weeks before school starts.

DOH-Leon provides walk-in immunization clinics for back-to-school vaccinations 8-11 a.m. Monday thru Friday and 1-4 p.m. Monday thru Thursday at the Roberts & Stevens Clinic, 1515 Old Bainbridge Road, (850) 606-8020.

DOH-Leon walk-in clinics are run on a first-come-first-serve basis, with a limited number of spots available each day. Families are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared for extended wait times.

Parents are asked to bring copies of their children’s vaccinations records and an insurance or Medicaid card to any back-to-school vaccination site.

Students entering Florida schools for the first time are also required to submit a copy of a physical exam prior to starting school. DOH-Leon does not provide physicals. Parents should schedule physical exams now as many physicians do not have available appointments the last few weeks before school starts.

Parents who do not have a primary health care provider can call 211 (Helpline) for information on area providers.