Hendry-Glades School Immunizations Required

Vaccinations Required for School Entry by Pat Dobbins

 

The first day of school is scheduled for August 22, 2011 in Hendry County, Florida. Parents need to make sure their children have received the proper immunizations as required by law.

 

The Hendry and Glades County Health Departments can provide school vaccinations (free of charge) for children from infants through the age of 18.  

 

Please be advised that there are changes to the required vaccines for school entry. The new change in the vaccination schedule requires a fourth dose of the polio vaccine within a shorter time period.  This means a child should have an additional polio vaccination six months after their first dose or after they turn four years old.  Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the vaccine works better when given on this schedule.

 

Students must have proof of immunization on a Department of Health form (DOH 680 form). This form has been referred to as a "blue card" because it used to be printed on blue paper, however, the DOH 680 form can be in any color.

 

Students entering kindergarten are required to have the following vaccinations:

• (5) DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): If the 4^th DTaP vaccine is administered on or after the fourth birthday, a 5^th DTaP isnot required.
• (5) Polio: If the 4^th dose is administered on or after the fourth birthday, a 5^th dose is not required.
• (2) MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• (3) Hepatitis B
• (2) Varicella (Chickenpox)

 

Students entering 7^th grade must receive a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster.

 

Immunizations will be provided at the following locations:

 

Hendry County Health Department:

• Clewiston - 1100 South Olympia St
• 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
• LaBelle – 1140 Pratt Blvd
• 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Additionally, The Hendry County Health Department will be available at Middle Schools in LaBelle and Clewiston to provide immunizations for students. (See the schedule below)

 

Thursday, August 18, Clewiston Middle School – Open House for parents and students - 5pm to 7pm

Friday, August 19, LaBelle Middle School - Open House for parents and 7th and 8th graders - 11am-1pm

 

The Glades County Health Department will accept walk-ins for immunizations at their office located at 1021 Health Park Drive in Moore Haven Office hours are listed below:

 

 Glades County Health Department:

• Moore Haven - 1021 Health Park Drive
• 8:00am to 4:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
• 11:30am to 8:00 pm on Wednesdays

 

If your child has received immunizations at a different location or in other cities or states, it is very important that you take all shot records for your child to your health department or healthcare provider. This will help to avoid delays or unnecessary duplicated immunizations.

 

If you decide to take your child to a private healthcare provider for their immunizations, please make your appointment soon so that your child will be ready to start school.