Sanford, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is urging parents to prepare their children now 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.

DOH-Seminole will be providing school immunizations as well as information on nutrition, breastfeeding, immunizations, dental, and chronic disease prevention at the 10th Annual Back to School Expo on Saturday, August 3rd at the Seminole Town Center Mall.

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

Due to the high demand for immunizations from July 24th through August 16th, immunizations services are provided on a first come, first served, walk-in basis. You may experience a longer wait during this period. School physicals will continue to be provided by appointment.

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. A copy of each child’s immunization record and government-issued, valid photo identification of the adult relative or legal guardian are required. Parents may also visit their primary care provider to avoid possible long wait times.

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 though 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 HMO provider are encouraged to go to 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/.

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.

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