Ocala, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is offering special back-to-school immunization clinics in July to help students get ready for school, with the first event scheduled for Monday, July 30.

“Vaccines provide the best defense to protect you and your family from the spread of infectious diseases,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Health Officer Erin Hess. “We want to give parents every opportunity to get their kids ready for the school year by taking advantage of our immunization services before school starts.”

The Department will offer free school vaccinations at three Marion County locations:

• The Marion County Children’s Alliance Back-to-School Bash. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW 4th St. in Ocala. In addition to school immunizations, the event includes school physicals, hearing and vision screenings, free backpacks filled with school supplies, a free lunch and more. For information on the event, call 352-438-5990.
• The Sparr Baptist Church Back to School Bash. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at Sparr Baptist Church, 1303 E. Highway 329 in Citra. In addition to school immunizations, the event includes free physicals, eye exams, school supplies and more. For information on the church event, call 352-622-4317.
• The health department has organized for expedited back-to-school immunization clinics 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. weekdays beginning July 25 at the department’s Ocala facility, 1801 SE 32nd Ave. No appointment is needed, and the immunizations are free for those ages 18 and younger. Parents should bring a photo ID and their child’s immunization records if they are transferring from out of state.

Children may need an additional polio vaccination before they can enter kindergarten. Students entering seventh grade need the tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis—Tdap—booster. Students in higher grades may also need the chickenpox—also called varicella—vaccine. Download the 2016–2017 School Entry Requirements flier for details on current school immunization requirements.

Immunizations are free for those ages 18 and younger and no appointment is needed.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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