Health Department Extends Hours For Back-To-School Shots

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — As parents and students get ready for a new school year, the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is extending childhood immunization services hours on Thursday, Aug. 8, for those who would like to beat the back-to-school rush.

The Sulphur Springs clinic, 8605 N. Mitchell Ave., Tampa, will accept walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Parents and caregivers should review their children's immunization records and make sure they have the required vaccinations.

Vaccinations help develop immunity to serious diseases and infections, and they help keep students healthy and in school. Making sure students are fully immunized not only protects them, but also protects children who cannot receive immunizations for medical reasons.

To learn which immunizations are required for your child, visit the department's School Immunization Requirements page.

Students entering college should check with the health services at their colleges regarding immunization requirements.

If your child is due for a vaccine, complete the immunization form, bring identification and your child's shot records.

The department makes it easy to keep track of your child's immunization record through Florida SHOTS, a free, statewide, centralized online immunization registry that helps healthcare providers, parents, and schools keep track of immunization records to ensure that patients of all ages receive the vaccinations needed to protect them from dangerous vaccine-preventable diseases.

The registry is endorsed by the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, Florida Association of Health Plans Inc., Florida Medical Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association and the Florida Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics.

Visit ImmunizeFlorida.org to learn more about immunizations your child may need.