State Health Department Reminds Parents of Vaccine Updates

From Sarasota County:

The school year is right around the corner. As you prepare your "to-do" list, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) reminds parents updated vaccines are required for kindergarten and seventh grade in all Florida schools. A completed DH 680 form is required for registration in Sarasota County public schools. The form is available through your child's pediatrician and at DOH-Sarasota.

Vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough, measles and meningitis can spread quickly in school settings. Therefore, students without required immunizations will be sent home from public schools on the first day of school. In addition, they will not be able to ride the bus or participate in sports, band or other extracurricular activities until the school has the DH 680 form showing they have received the required
immunizations.

Health officials say the meningococcal meningitis vaccine, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against many types of cancer, and the Hepatitis A vaccine are recommended vaccines for adolescents. These can be given when your seventh-grader gets the required Tdap vaccine, which protects against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis or whooping cough.

"Students who may be anxious about getting a shot should know the sting lasts only a moment. The consequences of not fully vaccinating your child can be devastating and last a lifetime," says DOH-Sarasota Immunization Program Manager Donna Keith.

Local health officials ask as parents weigh the decision to fully vaccinate their children they review scientific information from reputable sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These sources address parent concerns about vaccines to autism connection and other health issues. Your health care provider can also share scientifically accurate and up-to-date information about vaccines with you.

Florida school vaccine requirements, as well as information on the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC and DOH-Sarasota are available online. Immunizations are available at DOH-Sarasota locations: William L. Little Health and Human Services Center, (941) 861-2784 (2200 Ringling Blvd.), and North Port Health Center, (941) 861-3864 (6950 Outreach Way in North Port), accepting walk-ins with no cost for children up to age 18. Parents and guardians must accompany children and bring shot records and insurance card if your plan covers immunizations.

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.

Further information is available through the Florida Department of Health website.