Heading Back to School Safer and Healthier this Year!

Heading back to school is an exciting time for students and families. As parents, we want to do everything in our power to assure that our children are both healthy and protected against preventable and potentially deadly diseases. One simple and important step is to get your children vaccinated with the required immunizations they will need for the first day of school on August 17.

Vaccines allow a child’s immune system to recognize and combat diseases by building up antibodies that protect them if and when they are exposed to the actual disease. This also is an important way of protecting the community against preventable illnesses.

According to Florida Statute, immunizations are mandatory for all students when entering Kindergarten, 7th grade and for some, 12th grade. This includes students enrolled in virtual school. While not required, COVID-19 vaccinations (and others) are also recommended.

In Miami-Dade County Public Schools, no student will be admitted to any school without presenting the required health documentation.

All children entering pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade must complete a hepatitis B vaccine series in addition to the already required immunizations for tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), polio, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella (chicken pox). All children entering, attending or transferring into 7th grade in Florida must receive Tdap booster vaccine. Parents can obtain a Florida Certification of

Immunization form (DH Form 680), which helps keeps track of these immunizations, from their child’s medical provider. This is the only form that will be accepted as verification for immunization compliance.

Children whose parents cannot afford to pay for vaccines may receive free immunizations, under the Vaccines for Children program, which provides free vaccines at county health department centers.

For more information, visit the M-DCPS website at www.dadeschools.net or contact the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County at 786-845-0550, or dial 211 and ask for immunization providers in your area. For a complete list of the required vaccines, click here.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their health care provider to schedule an appointment for children affected by the school immunization requirement. Required immunizations are covered under most health insurance policies.

Summer break is almost over and there’s over two weeks left before school starts on August 17, beat the rush and get your child the required immunizations they’ll need for the 2022-2023 school year!