FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF BACK TO SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS

-Don’t wait until the last minute for mandatory back to school immunizations-

TALLAHASSEE- Florida Department of Health (DOH) encourages all parents and guardians to check the immunization status and school requirements for their children. As children and families across Florida prepare to start another school year, it is vital that all students have their required immunizations. Immunization documentation on a DOH Form 680, Certification of Immunization, is required for all students in grades pre-Kindergarten (K) through 12.

“We encourage everyone to get your child up-to-date with their immunizations and not wait for the school rush,” said Section Administrator of Immunizations Charles Alexander. “There is no time like the present to update children's immunizations and provide them with the required documentation to attend school.”

DOH emphasizes the importance of parents scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider or County Health Department (CHD) today, and not to wait until the last minute to schedule their children’s back-to-school immunizations. Accordingly, the Bureau of Immunization launched their new website www.immunizeflorida.com to bring together the best resources on vaccines and provide consumers with easy-to-understand vaccination information.

Encourage your healthcare provider to give all age-appropriate shots to your child during each visit. Immunizations keep your child safe from disease and cut down on sick visits to your healthcare provider.

“Many healthcare providers and families have begun preparations for the new school year,” said Charles Alexander. “Immunizations should be updated at all visits, including annual physicals, interim check-ups or sport physicals.”

Documentation for required immunizations is mandatory for all students entering, attending, or transferring into a Florida school in grades pre-Kindergarten (K) through 12 as detailed in the Immunization Guidelines for Florida Schools, Childcare Facilities, and Family Daycare Homes.  A 2012-2013 flyer outlining school requirements is available here.

The DOH Online Newsroom has additional tools on immunization including an Ask the Expert video with Chuck Alexander and a public service announcement for parents called “Get On Board” which encourages school-aged children to get their immunizations in time for back to school. 

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For news story ideas, interviews, videos and more from DOH Communications visit the DOH Online Newsroom.

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