After you turn 19, the cost rises to more than $300 

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL - Local public health and school officials urge new high school graduates to get their immunizations updated before they turn 19.

The vaccines are available at no cost at the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County’s (DOH-Sarasota) clinics in Sarasota and North Port.

Many colleges and universities, including Florida public universities and colleges, require proof of updated vaccinations for enrollment and/or dormitory-living. Vaccines are only available at no charge through the federally-funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) program while the student is enrolled in high school or younger than age 19. The cost of vaccines for those who are no longer eligible for the VFC program can exceed $300. By acting now, families can save money, meet college requirements, and avoid the last minute rush in the summer.

The recommended vaccines offer safe and effective protection against the most common and serious forms of bacterial meningitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (whooping cough) and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Health officials also encourage college-bound students get the Hepatitis A vaccine, and the second dose of the Varicella vaccine which protects against chickenpox. The protection offered through some vaccines wanes over time, so certain vaccines need to be repeated to maintain an adequate level of immunity.

“When young people are current on their vaccines, it reduces the likelihood that they will acquire vaccine-preventable diseases throughout their lifetime. From a public health standpoint, the entire community benefits when there is greater vaccine coverage,” says DOH-Sarasota School Health Supervisor Linda Glover. “In addition, you’ll save hundreds of dollars by getting vaccines now instead of waiting.”

Vaccines can be obtained at your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider or at the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County’s (DOH-Sarasota) locations in Sarasota or North Port.

Health officials say that early morning hours are usually best for walk-in immunizations at DOH-Sarasota and appointments are also available. Parents must accompany those under age 18. Please bring previous shot record if available.

Immunizations are available at these locations (Monday-Friday):

William L. Little Health & Human Services Center
2200 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
Walk-in services begin at 7:30 a.m.
Call for hours or to request an appointment
941-861-2900

North Port Health Center
6950 Outreach Way, North Port
Walk-in services begin at 7 a.m.
Call for hours or to request an appointment
941-861-3864

For additional details, please call the School Health Office at 941-927-9000, ext. 32101. Parents can also visit www.sarasotahealth.org or the school district website, www.sarasotacountyschools.net.

Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at www.scgov.net/ADA/Pages/default.aspx

MEDIA NOTES:

DOH-Sarasota Media Contact:
Dianne Shipley, 941-861-2852; cell 941-302-1058; DOHSarasotaNews@FLHealth.gov
Website: www.sarasotahealth.org

Sarasota County Schools Media Contact:
Scott Ferguson, 941-927-9000, ext. 31148; cell: 941-539-6938 Scott.Ferguson@sarasotacountyschools.net