• immunization requirements

     

    July 25, 2019

    Parents are encouraged to seek back-to-school vaccinations now

    Leon County Health Department schedules clinic July 27

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

    Tallahassee, Fla. – The Leon County Health Department encourages parents to contact their health care providers now to have their children vaccinated for the 2019-20 school year.

    Leon County public schools open August 12.

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

    Leon CHD has scheduled a back-to-school immunizations clinic from 8 a.m. to noon on July 27 at the Roberts & Stevens Clinic, 1515 Old Bainbridge Road. Vaccinations are offered by appointment only. Call (850) 404-6403 for an appointment.

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

    Vaccines recommended for children entering the 7th 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).

    Don’t Wait: Immunize Now!

    Leon CHD 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.

    Leon CHD provides vaccinations through appointments only. Please call (850) 404-6403 to schedule an appointment at Roberts & Stevens Clinic, 1515 Old Bainbridge Road.

    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. Leon CHD 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.

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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.

    Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.