Media Release

This press release put out at the request of the Alachua County Health Department.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Health Department will be providing back to school physicals and immunization clinics on Wednesday August 6, and again on Wednesday August 13, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Alachua County Health Department located at 224 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL.  Appointments are required and can be made by calling 352-334-7910.

The physicals are provided at no charge for those who have Medicaid; applicable co-pays for those with private insurance and $25 for all others.  A child must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other authorized family member.  Parent or guardian must bring a photo ID and insurance card.

The immunizations required for kindergarten through 12th grade school attendance will be provided free of charge.  As an added benefit, age appropriate non-school required immunizations such as Hepatitis A, Meningitis, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and Rotavirus vaccines will also be available at no cost.

“In addition to school attendance requirements, immunizations are the primary means of preventing serious communicable diseases”, stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.  “We encourage all parents and guardians of school aged children to take advantage of these after-hours clinics.”                                   

Parents and guardians are reminded to bring their child’s shot record to expedite the process.  If shot records are not available, especially for new out of state students, parents should have the information faxed from their provider to the Alachua County Health Department at 352-334-7943, attention “After Hours Clinics”.

Due to new requirements, documentation of insurance information is required.  This information will be kept strictly confidential.  School required immunizations will be provided at no cost or co-pays.

The Alachua County Health Department is asking parents to check their child’s shot record now and make an appointment with their medical provider if their child needs additional shots.  Required school shots are also offered at no cost or co-pays at all Alachua County Health Department sites during regular business hours.  The main office located at 224 SE 24th St., Gainesville, offers a walk in clinic, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The phone number is 352-334-7950. The Health Department site in the City of Alachua is by appointment only.  The Alachua clinic can be reached at 386-462-2542.

The Mission of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County is to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.