As parents prepare to send their children back to school this fall, the Florida Department of Health is reminding them to add vaccines to their list of things to do. Getting these necessary vaccinations should be as much a rite of going back to school as picking up pencils and paper for the first day. 

Getting your child all their vaccinations on time is one of the most important things you can do as a parent to ensure your children’s long-term health—as well as the health of friends, classmates and others in your community.

Vaccines help develop immunity to many serious infectious diseases by enabling the body to recognize and fight vaccine-preventable diseases. Florida requires certain vaccines to be administered before children may enroll and attend childcare and school.

• Immunizations Required for Childcare and/or Family Daycare
• Public/Non-public Preschool Entry
• Public/Non-public Schools Kindergarten Through 12th Grade
• Additional Immunization Requirements for 7th Grade Entry

Parents of kindergartners and 7th graders are encouraged to review their children’s immunization record to ensure they are ready for the upcoming school year. Students entering college are also encouraged to ensure their immunizations are up to date.

For college students, make sure to check with the health services at their college regarding immunization requirements.

Florida’s State Health Online Tracking System (SHOTS)  is a free, statewide, centralized online immunization registry that helps health care providers, parents and schools keep track of immunization records to ensure that patients of all ages receive the vaccinations needed to protect them from dangerous vaccine-preventable diseases. Florida SHOTS makes it easier to keep up with your child’s immunization history—even when moving or switching doctors. The registry is endorsed by the Florida Academy of Family Physicians; Florida Association of Health Plans, Inc.;, Florida Medical Association; Florida Osteopathic Medical Association; and the Florida Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics.

If your child is due for a vaccine, please visit your family health care provider or one of our health department clinics. Visit ImmunizeFlorida.org to learn more about immunizations your child may need or call your local county health department to find out locations and times for immunization services available near you.