Sanford, Fla. — Now is the time to plan ahead and the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is urging parents to prepare their children early for this upcoming school year. Parents may visit their child’s medical provider or the health department to obtain their required vaccines and school physicals for school entry and help keep their children safe from vaccine preventable diseases.

“It is vital to continue protecting our children from outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Up-to-date immunizations are very important to keep children safe and ready for school. A higher number of vaccinated children will make it less likely for a disease to spread from person to person,” said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

Immunizations are available Monday through Friday and school physicals on Tuesdays from 8 am to 3:30 pm by appointment at DOH-Seminole located at 400 W. Airport Boulevard in Sanford. To make an appointment call (407) 665-3700.

Parents, grandparents and other adults who are vaccinated protect children, families and the community from vaccine preventable diseases. Adult vaccines are also available by appointment at the health department for a fee, and at a reduced cost for those who are uninsured and underinsured.

Children must be accompanied by an adult family member or legal guardian to receive immunizations. If not, a notarized permission form, signed by the parent or legal guardian, must be presented before services are rendered. When possible, please limit the number of accompanying adults to one. A copy of each child’s immunization record and governmentissued, valid photo identification of the adult relative or legal guardian are required.

A certified DH 680 immunization form is required for school entry and is provided with immunizations. You can obtain this form at your child’s medical provider or through the immunization clinic at the health department. Immunization services are available for low-cost administrative fees at the health department.

Families with private insurance assigned to a medical home or provider are encouraged to visit their doctor for immunizations as the health department is a safety net for those without health care coverage.

For more information on childhood immunizations visit https://seminole.floridahealth.gov/ or call 407-665-3000.

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.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.