Free vaccines before school starts

Reporter: Nicole Gabe
Published: Updated:
Flu season vaccination. Photo via AP.
FILE: An unvaccinated 6-year-old Oregon boy was hospitalized for two months for tetanus and almost died of the bacterial illness. Photo via AP.

With just 2 weeks left before kids return to school, WINK News is helping you save money and time when it comes to getting your kid ready for the new academic year.

On Monday you can get a free vaccination without having to make an appointment at the Florida Health Department off of Michigan Avenue.

Doors to the health department open at 8 a.m., and if you can not make it on Monday, the free shot are offered until the first day of school.

If you have a child going into kindergarten, 7th grade or college, those students will need to get their vaccines or booster shots.

Kindergarten students need most of their vaccinations, those going into 7th are required to get DTAP booster but pediatricians also recommend you get the hepatitis and HPV vaccine.

Pediatrician Nicole Bruno recommends not waiting to get your shots.

“Everyone forgets about the middle schoolers, they need their vaccines in order to receive their schedule and attend school,” Bruno said. “They’re held hostage, so we get these emergency phone calls the first day of school saying ‘we can’t go’…so please please make your appointments now,” said Bruno.

The walk-in clinic hours a the health department this week are Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. And on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2.p.m.

More walk in hours will also be available in the week before school.

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