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Time for Back to School Vaccinations

By Florida Department of Health, Office of Communications

August 01, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 01, 2014

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REMINDS RESIDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF BACK TO SCHOOL VACCINATIONS

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month and encourages parents to have their children immunized now to avoid the back-to-school immunization rush. Department of Health offices statewide are providing free immunization services for eligible children who are entering school for the first time and those who are returning to class in the upcoming school year. Parents of kindergartners and 7th graders are encouraged to review their children’s immunization record to ensure they are ready for the upcoming school year. Students entering college are also encouraged to ensure their immunizations are up to date.

“Back to school vaccinations help protect Florida’s children and families from the spread of infectious diseases,” said Dr. Celeste Philip, Deputy Secretary for Health and Deputy State Health Officer for Children’s Medical Services. “I encourage Florida’s parents to review their child’s immunization records and requirements and make plans to obtain needed immunizations soon.”

Vaccines help develop immunity to countless infectious diseases by enabling the body to recognize and fight vaccine-preventable diseases. The following vaccines are required for children entering pre-school and grades K–12: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B. Students entering college should check with the health services at their college regarding immunization requirements.

If your child is due for a vaccine, please visit your child’s health care provider or one of our health department clinics. Visit http://goo.gl/zyJ6Hp to learn which immunizations your child may need. Call your local county health department to find out locations and times for immunization services available near you. Contact information for the Department of Health offices in each of Florida’s 67 counties can be found online at http://goo.gl/MwCDhm.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & 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.

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