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Back to School Health Preps
07/30/10 - 03:30 PM
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It’s back to school for Bay County kids that means it’s time to think about what they need to be healthy.  Florida law makes no exception about vaccines.

“It is a prerequisite, it is a requirement that the child be current with their shots prior to enrollment in the school,” said Bay County Health Department Manager Sandon Speedling.

Kindergarteners need their dtap or tetanus shot, MMR, polio, chickenpox and hepatitis b vaccines.  By 7th grade, it’s more tetanus, MMR, and hepatitis b shots.  It’s also recommended they get meningitis vaccine and girls over 12 get the Guardisil or HPV vaccine.

The good news is that you don’t have to worry about costs if you use the Health Department services.

“The shots are free, there’s no appointment necessary.  However we do encourage the parents to come early in the morning to get the child immunized.  It’s usually the best way to go,” said Speedling.

The Health Department asks you bring in your child’s shot record when you come, but if your child was vaccinated in Florida, the information is in a state wide database.

It’s also a good time to make sure your child has had their annual physical, including vision.

“It’s good for the child’s health and the health of other children and their well being.  It’s preventative medicine and we stress that everyday here at the health department,” said Speedling.

Children with no insurance or Medicaid can get free physicals the health department on Saturday July 31st and August 7th. 

August 2nd -6th and 9th and 10th is the Back to School shot clinic from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Bay District School Students head back to the classroom Wednesday August 11th.