Child Immunizations

The Department of Health in Marion County encourages parents to make sure their children are vaccinated on the doctor-prescribed schedule. This maximizes vaccine effectiveness and best protects children. Early immunizations are especially important because young children lack fully developed immune systems. Children are also the most vulnerable to disease and the least likely to have been exposed previously to infection.

The Vaccines for Children program offers vaccines at no cost for children up to age 18. A child qualifies for free vaccinations if one of the following criteria is met:

• Child is enrolled in Medicaid, Medipass or Medicaid HMOs.
• Child has no health insurance.
• Child’s health insurance does not cover immunizations.
• Child is American Indian or Alaskan Native.

School Immunizations

Florida schools and childcare centers require that their students have certain vaccines. DOH-Marion County provides each of these required vaccinations. If coming from another state and your child is enrolling in Florida schools, be sure to check about the required vaccinations. Immunization requirements can be different from state to state.

Please note: To enter kindergarten, students must have completed or be in the process of completing their immunizations. Students entering 7th grade must have a TDaP booster. College immunization requirements can vary; contact the college you will be attending for more information.