BRADENTON, Fla. -- Backpacks. Lunch Boxes. Pens, pencils and crayons.
While picking up the essentials for your students, be sure to remember the most critical elements of all – vaccinations and school physicals. Kindergartners, seventh graders and new and transferring students must provide proof of immunization to enroll in Manatee County Schools.
Students leaving for higher education should check with their college or university to ensure they follow that school's immunization requirements. To avoid the back-to-school rush, students should get these shots sooner rather than later.
"Vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to protect children and families from the spread of serious infectious diseases," said Dr. Jennifer Bencie, Health Officer with DOH-Manatee. "Parents and guardians should carefully review the student's immunization records, and if needed, visit us at the health department or check with their child’s physician to schedule vaccination appointments as soon as possible."
Immunization requirements include:
Kindergarten – 12th Grade:
• Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP) – 4 – 5 doses
• Polio (OPV or IPV) – 4 doses (the last one after age 4)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – 2 doses
• Hepatitis B (HepB) – 3 doses
Kindergarten – 7th Grade:
• Varicella – 2 doses or provider verification of Chickenpox
8th – 12th Grade:
• Varicella – 1 dose or provider verification of Chickenpox
7th – 12th Grade (entry or repeating, if not given previously):
• Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP) Booster – 1 dose
A Florida Certificate of Immunization, Form DH 680, is the only document that Manatee County Schools are permitted to accept as proof of immunization. These forms can be obtained at the Florida Department of Health or through a healthcare provider.
DOH-Manatee is providing free immunization services for eligible children up to the age of 18 who are enrolled in elementary, middle or high school. School physicals are offered by appointment for $30 per child. Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call (941) 748-0747, ext. 0. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome, based on availability.
New this year, DOH-Manatee is hosting several off-site vaccination clinics using its Health Coach, a brightly-colored 40-foot long clinic on wheels. These dates and locations include:
July 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The South Florida Museum
o 100 10th Street W, Bradenton
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. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.