The first day of school is rapidly approaching as August nears.

That means immunizations for some children.

The Manatee County Health Department is recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month and encourages parents to have their children immunized now to avoid the back-to-school immunization rush. DOH-Manatee provides free immunization services for children, through - 18 years of age.

"Back-to-school vaccinations are an important way to protect children and families from the spread of serious infectious diseases," said Dr. Jennifer Bencie, Administrator of DOH-Manatee. "I encourage parents to review their children's vaccine records and requirements, and if needed, to contact DOH-Manatee staff and schedule vaccine appointments as soon as possible."

Childhood Immunization Requirements:

Florida Certificate of Immunization, Form DH 680 is the only document that the schools are permitted to accept as proof of immunization.

  • Kindergarten-12th  Grade
         Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP) - 5 doses
         Polio (OPV or IPV) - 4 doses (the last one after age 4)
         Measles, Mumps, Rubella - 2 doses (usually given as 2 doses MMR)
         Hepatitis B (Hep B) - 3 doses
  • Kindergarten-7th  Grade
         Varicella - 2 doses or provider verification of Chickenpox disease history on form DH 680
  • 8th-12th Grade
         Varicella - 1 dose or provider verification of Chickenpox disease history on form DH 680
  • 7th-12th Grade (entry or repeating, if not given previously)
         Tetanus/Diphtheria & Pertussis booster (Tdap) - 1 dose
  • Manatee County Health Department
         (941) 748-0747