This press release put out at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County is providing back to school immunizations Saturday, April 4, 2015, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the North Central Florida YMCA (5201 NW 34 Blvd, Gainesville). The immunization clinic is being held during the Storybook Swamp Event that features story time booths and characters, children’s activities, snacks, giveaways, and safety information.
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. 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.
“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 this convenient and fun Saturday clinic.”
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 Florida Department of Health in Alachua County 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 Florida Department of Health in Alachua County 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 Florida Department of Health in Alachua County sites during regular business hours. The main office (224 SE 24th St., Gainesville) offers a walk in clinic, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The phone number is 352-334-7950. The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County 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.
For more information, contact Alachua County Health Department Immunization Supervisor Michael Smith at 352-334-8827 or Michael.Smith@flhealth.gov.