SARASOTA COUNTY¾ Sarasota County schools are back in session next Monday. As you prepare your “to do” list, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) reminds parents updated vaccines are required for kindergarten and 7th grade in all Florida schools. A completed DH 680 form is required for registration in Sarasota County public schools. The form is available through your child’s pediatrician and at DOH-Sarasota.
Students without required immunizations will be sent home from public schools on the first day of school. In addition, they will not be able to ride the bus or participate in sports, band or other extracurricular activities until the school has the DH 680 form showing they have received the required immunizations. The immunization Clinic in our Sarasota and North Port clinics will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday through August 13thAdditionally, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County will be offering extended hours in their North Port and Sarasota Immunizations clinics for students needing back-to-school shots. The Sarasota Immunization clinic located at 2200 Ringling Blvd. will remain open until 7 p.m. August 7th, and 6:30 p.m. August 8th. The North Port Immunization clinic located at 6950 Outreach Way will remain open until 6:30 p.m. August 8th. Health officials say the meningococcal meningitis vaccine, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against many types of cancer, and the Hepatitis A vaccine are recommended vaccines for adolescents. These can be given when your 7th grader gets the required Tdap vaccine which protects against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis or whooping cough. “Students who may be anxious about getting a shot should know the sting lasts only a moment. The consequences of not fully vaccinating your child can be devastating and last a lifetime,” says DOH-Sarasota Immunization Program Manager Donna Keith. Below is resource information for parents. Visit our website for hours, locations and facts about vaccines.
| FL School Vaccine Requirements | https://sarasotacountyschools.net/departments/schoolhealth/ |
| American Academy of Pediatrics | www.aap.org |
| CDC | www.cdc.gov |
| DOH-Sarasota | www.sarasotahealth.org |
William L. Little Health and Human Services Center941-861-2784 2200 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota North Port Health Center941-861-3864 6950 Outreach Way, North Port
- No cost for children through age 18
- Walk in (no appointment needed)
- Parent/Guardian must accompany child
- Bring shot records and insurance card if your plan covers immunizations
About the Florida Department of HealthThe 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 Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.For more information, visit www.sarasotahealth.org or call 941-861-2900._____