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Florida Department of Health reminds parents the importance of back to school immunizations

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The start of the new school year is just right around the corner, and the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) encourages parents to have their children immunized. Vaccines play an important role in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases.

DOH-Orange is providing free immunization services at our Central Clinic for eligible, school-age children who are 18 years of age and younger. To make an appointment for school required vaccines, please call 407-858-1444. The clinic is located at 832 W. Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32805. Parents are encouraged to bring a valid ID, the student’s most recent immunization records, and birth certificate.

“Vaccines save lives from preventable diseases and save money,” said Dr. Kevin Sherin, Health Officer for DOH-Orange. “Why would you not want to vaccinate your child fully before they return to school?”

Vaccines help develop immunity to many serious infectious diseases by enabling the body to recognize and fight vaccine-preventable diseases. The following vaccines are required for children entering preschool 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.

Florida SHOTS is a free, statewide, centralized online immunization registry that helps healthcare providers, parents, and schools keep track of immunization records to ensure that patients of all ages receive the vaccinations needed to protect them from dangerous vaccine-preventable diseases. Florida SHOTS makes it easier to keep up with your child’s immunization history—even when moving or switching doctors. The registry is endorsed by the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, Florida Association of Health Plans, Inc., Florida Medical Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, and the Florida Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics.

If your child is due for a vaccine, please visit your family health care provider or one of our health department clinics. Visit ImmunizeFlorida.org to learn more about immunizations your child may need or call your local county health department to find out locations and times for immunization services available near you.

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.

Florida Department of Health, Immunizations

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