Free Flu Shots Available For Miami Beach Children

MIAMI BEACH, FL — With this year's flu season shaping up to be one of the worst for children in more than a decade, the city of Miami Beach is planning to offer free flu shots for kids at all city public schools.

The free shots will be available between March 16 and March 20 under a partnership with Borinquen Health Centers, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and The Children’s Trust, according to city officials..

Citing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, Miami Beach officials said at least 105 children have died from the flu so far this season.

"This is the highest rate of child flu deaths at this point in the season since 2004, when the CDC began keeping records and with the exception of the 2009 flu pandemic," officials said.

Flu shots will be available at all six of Miami Beach’s public schools, including Miami Beach Senior High School, Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School, Miami Beach Fienberg Fisher K-8, Miami Beach South Pointe Elementary, North Beach Elementary and Biscayne Beach Elementary.

“Flu season is also still ongoing and everyone should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones, which means getting a flu vaccine and following good sanitary practices,” Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said in announcing the program on Friday.

City officials have earmarked up to $15,000 for the shots, but require a completed parental consent form. The free flu shots will be offered during the regular school day.

“When it comes to the health and well-being of our students, Miami-Dade County Public Schools prioritizes prevention measures and preparation,” Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho explained. “We are grateful to our municipal and community partners for providing resources so students in Miami Beach can be protected against the flu.”

Borinquen Medical Centers, the city’s public school health provider, will be responsible for administering the vaccines to students who have not yet received one this season.

“Borinquen Medical Centers is committed to, and takes pride in providing quality care and services to our students and families,” shared Dr. Deborah Gracia, chief medical officer at Borinquen Medical Centers. “The health and well-being of our students is of upmost importance to us.”

Sabine Dulcio, associate director of programs with The Children’s Trust said the organization supports the collaborative partnership through Trust-funded school-based health centers.

“This partnership positively impacts the health and well-being of these children by preventing and reducing children's risks of flu and avoiding absences from school," Dulcio said.