It's a New Day in Public Health.
The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Time for Back to School Vaccinations
July 25, 2019
July 25, 2019
Time for Back to School Vaccinations
Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County reminds parents and caregivers to check the immunization status and school requirements for their children.
Contact:
Jennifer S. Sexton
jennifer.sexton@flhealth.gov
(941) 624-7200 ext. 7279
Port Charlotte, Fla. — The school year is almost here, but will your child be ready? Besides shopping for school supplies and new sneakers, your back-to-school checklist should include making sure your child’s health record is up to date.
“Vaccinations are a valuable public health resource, are cost-effective, and can help stop the spread of preventable disease throughout the community,” said Joseph Pepe, interim Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County. “I encourage Charlotte County parents to review their child’s vaccination records and requirements and work closely with their medical provider.”
Vaccines help develop immunity to countless infectious diseases by enabling the body to recognize and fight vaccine-preventable diseases. Students entering kindergarten and 7th grade, as well as new residents to Charlotte County, may be due for additional vaccines. If your school-aged child is due for a vaccine, please visit your child’s health care provider or the Department of Health.
Vaccinations are free for children at the Florida Department of Health’s immunization clinic, 1100 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte. A $10 administration fee will be billed to Medicaid or private insurance.
Appointments for back to school vaccinations are available at the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and can be scheduled in advance by calling 941-624-7200. While same-day appointments will be offered from July 29 through August 9, caregivers are encouraged to call ahead.
Parents and caregivers will need to bring photo ID, insurance card, child’s social security card, proof of legal guardianship, if applicable, as well as the child’s previous shot records when they come for vaccinations.
These are the state requirements (immunizations are cumulative):
PREKINDERGARTEN | KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST THROUGH SIXTH GRADE | SEVENTH THROUGH 12TH GRADE |
Four DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) | Five DTP (last dose on or after 4th birthday) | Five DTP |
Three polio | Four polio (last dose on or after 4th birthday) | Four polio (last dose on or after 4th birthday) |
Four Hib (haemophilus influenzae Type B) | Two MMR | Two MMR |
One MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) | Three Hepatitis B | Three Hepatitis B |
Three Hepatitis B | Two varicella (chicken pox) | One TDaP |
One varicella (chicken pox) |
| Two varicella (chicken pox) |
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.
###
Featured Programs
Connect with DOH