HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES EARLY IMMUNIZATIONS 

New Port Richey – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) officials encourage families to be prepared for school.  As we plan for children across Pasco County to enter or return to school, it is important that families follow the recommended immunization schedules.

“For the best prevention, our children should be vaccinated to avoid some of the most serious diseases,” said Mike Napier, County Health Officer”.  DOH-Pasco is encouraging parents to get their children’s immunizations up to date before the back-to-school rush. “Immunizations benefit Pasco families by protecting their health and protecting the health of the entire community, it’s a win for all”.

Vaccines help develop immunity to countless infectious diseases by enabling the body to recognize and fight vaccine-preventable diseases.  Parents of kindergartners and 7th graders are reminded to review their children's immunization record to ensure they are ready for the upcoming school year. If you don’t have a copy of your child’s immunization records, ask your provider about Florida Shots, the database that records immunizations.  Students entering college are also encouraged to ensure their immunizations are up to date.

The following vaccines are required for children entering pre-school and grades K-12: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B.  Pre-schools additionally require Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine and Pneumococcal vaccines through 59 months of age. Students entering college should check with the health services at their college regarding immunization requirements. If your child is due for a vaccine, please visit your child's health care provider or one of our health department clinics.

The demand for vaccines picks up this time every year. In addition to the regular clinic schedules, DOH-Pasco is offering immunizations on select Saturdays from 10:00am – 2:00pm at select locations. July 30, 2016 in Dade City, August 06, 2016 in Zephyrhills, August 06, 2016 in New Port Richey.  For more information on back to school immunizations, call: 813-364-5812 or visit https://pasco.floridahealth.gov/events/index.html to view the schedule of events.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.

Follow the Department on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook.  For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.