Free Student Vaccinations At Health Departments

It’s Time to Think About Vaccinations Before School Starts

LABELLE, FL. -- "Now is the time to get your children vaccinated for the next school year," says Pat Dobbins of the Hendry-Glades Health Department in LaBelle.  Parents can take their children to the health department now to receive the shots they need for school without cost, but they can also take them to their private health care provider.

If parents decide to wait until just before school starts, they might have to wait in line if there is a “rush” of folks waiting until the last minute to get their children vaccinated. “It is important for parents to make sure their children are vaccinated”, said Dobbins, Administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Hendry and Glades Counties. "That’s how individual children are protected, as well as the entire school.” 

Parents need to make sure their children have received the proper immunizations as required by law. Health Departments can provide school vaccinations (free of charge) for children from infants through the age of 18. 

Students entering kindergarten are required to have the following vaccinations:
(5) DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): If the 4th DTaP vaccine is administered on or after the fourth birthday, a 5th DTaP is not required.
(5) Polio: If the 4th dose is administered on or after the fourth birthday, a 5th dose is not required.
(2) MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
(3) Hepatitis B
(2) Varicella (Chickenpox)

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

Immunizations are available 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.
Glades County Health Department:
Moore Haven - 1021 Health Park Drive, 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday

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.