High school seniors urged to get free vaccines for college now
After you turn 19, the cost rises to over $300
SARASOTA COUNTY ¾ Local public health and school officials urge high school seniors to get their immunizations updated before they graduate in early June. The vaccines are available for free 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 free while the student is enrolled in high school or under age 19 through the federally-funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. 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
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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). 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, regardless of whether or not they are college-bound, it reduces the likelihood throughout their lifetime that they will acquire vaccine-preventable diseases.
High school seniors who do not plan to attend college may through their work, hobbies, personal risk factors, or as young parents be at risk for getting or spreading vaccine-preventable diseases to others, including infants who are too young to be vaccinated. When these diseases occur, they can result in expensive hospitalization, life-long disabilities and in some cases, death.
“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 until after graduation.”
Health officials say that early morning hours are usually best for walk-in immunizations. 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
Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County
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
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.
