DOH-Leon Schedules Saturday Clinic for Back-to-School Vaccinations 

July 25, 2018

DOH-Leon Schedules Saturday Clinic for Back-to-School Vaccinations

Special clinic runs July 28; public schools open August 13

Contact:
Christopher Tittel, Public Information Officer
Christopher.Tittel@FLHealth.gov
(850) 606-8190 / (305) 924-6839

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.

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

“Now is the time for back-to-school vaccinations,” School Health Program Administrator Holly Kirsch said. “These vaccinations are the best way to protect your children and their classmates from getting and spreading a variety of illnesses.”

DOH-Leon has scheduled a special Saturday clinic for July 28 at the Roberts & Stevens Clinic (1515 Old Bainbridge Road), primarily to help parents who find it more convenient to have their children vaccinated outside of routine weekday work hours.

To schedule an appointment for the clinic, call (850) 606-8020 or (850) 606-8000.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents/guardians are asked to bring a valid ID, copies of their children’s vaccinations records and their insurance or Medicaid card to any back-to-school vaccination site.

DOH-Leon charges a $20 fee per child per visit for back-to-school vaccinations.

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 a certified 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 (typically a two-shot series separated by 6-12 months if started before age 15, 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).

Physical Exams. 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.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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