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Kids must have these, for the record

By Times Staff Writer
Published July 17, 2005

Along with new clothes and notebooks for kids, parents should remember to schedule a visit with a doctor or the Pinellas County Health Department to make sure vaccinations are up to date.

Here are the immunization requirements for the 2005-2006 school year:

For students entering kindergarten, first, second, third and fourth grades, the immunization record must show that the student has met minimal state requirements: five DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), four polio, two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), hepatitis B series and one chickenpox vaccine (or have had the disease).

For students entering fifth and sixth grades, the immunization record must show five DPT, four polio, two MMR and hepatitis B series.

For students entering seventh through 12th grades, the immunization record must show five DPT, four polio, two MMR, hepatitis B series and one Td booster (tetanus, diphtheria).

The only acceptable record of immunizations is the DOH Form 680. It should include the student's name, birth date, parent or guardian's name, vaccines, the dates those shots were given, and the doctor's name and signature. Religious or medical reasons for not having a specific immunization must be listed as well.

Children may receive back-to-school vaccinations from the Pinellas County Health Department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bring your child's current record of immunizations and Social Security card or other proof of Social Security number, if available. Without current records, all immunizations must be repeated. Health centers are:

St. Petersburg Center, 205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, 824-6900

Pinellas Park Center, 6350 76th Ave. N, 547-7780

Largo Center, 12420 130th Ave. N, 588-4040

Clearwater Center, 310 N Myrtle Ave., 469-5800

Tarpon Springs Center, 301 S Disston Ave., 942-5457

In addition, the Health Department will offer back-to-school immunizations at the following outreach events:

Today from noon to 4 p.m. at Elim Academy, 821 Sixth Ave. S, St. Petersburg

Saturday at the Back to School Care Fair, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center, 1344 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg

Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Greenwood Center, 900 ML King Jr. Ave., Clearwater

More information: 824-6900 or visit www.pinellashealth.com

[Last modified July 17, 2005, 01:06:14]