Bureau of Immunization

Frequently Asked Questions

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

For questions, please email the bureau at Immunization@doh.state.fl.us

I have moved and have incomplete immunization records for my children. I have a yellow card with their vaccination history on it, but have been told I need another form before they can attend a Florida school. What form do I need and how can I get one?

The form you are referring to is the DH 680, Florida Certificate of Immunization or "Blue Card". This form is required for any child entering Florida schools (public or private, K-12), pre-schools, childcare facilities or family daycare homes. You can take your yellow card to your healthcare provider or county health department to have your child's immunization history transferred to the DH 680.

I am trying to obtain current and accurate immunization records for my child and am having difficulty in doing so. I know there are immunization requirements for children entering the Florida school system, but I have no record of any shots. What steps should I take to ensure that my child is properly immunized, and can attend school?

If you know the name of your child's previous healthcare provider, that would be the best place to start. Your child's doctor should have a record of the immunizations given. This record could be transferred to a current healthcare provider or county health department and any additional vaccines needed could be administered. The doctor or county health department can then issue a DH 680, Florida Certificate of Immunization, which will allow your child to attend a Florida school.

Florida has a statewide, computerized immunization registry, Florida SHOTS™, and vaccination records for county health department clients are available (to authorized system users only) through a central database. The registry also includes the immunization records of children receiving their immunizations from many private physicians. Healthcare providers who are authorized immunization registry users may be able to access the records for any previous immunization in the state.

If you are unable to contact a previous healthcare provider, check with the county health department for the state and county from which the child has moved. If that state has an immunization registry, you may be able to obtain a complete record from that state's health department.

If none of those avenues prove successful, you should contact your private healthcare provider or county health department for further assistance. Explain the situation to them, and they will be able to assist you following proper medical protocol.

I want to obtain a copy of my child's immunization records for my personal files. Where can I get one?

You can ask the healthcare provider who administered the immunizations to your child for a personal immunization record card. Many cards are wallet-sized cards that are convenient to keep.

If the doctor doesn't have a card that they issue for parent's records, you may be able to ask for a photocopy of the child's official immunization record for your files.

Florida has a statewide, computerized immunization registry, Florida SHOTS™, and vaccination records for county health department clients are available (to authorized system users only) through a central database. The registry also includes the immunization records of children receiving their immunizations from many private physicians. Healthcare providers who are authorized immunization registry users may be able to access the records for any previous immunization in the state.

I recently heard that all students attending Florida colleges are required to provide proof of meningitis vaccination. Is this true?

The Florida Legislature passed a law effective January 7, 2003, that requires all students who attend a Florida college and reside on campus to receive a meningitis and hepatitis B vaccine, or submit a waiver stating that they do not want the vaccine (if the student is under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver). You should contact the specific college to find out their requirements and procedures.

I have recently moved to Florida and have school-age children. What are the immunization requirements to get my children into Florida schools?

The following link will give you all of the information on Florida's immunization requirements for school entry:

• Immunization Guidelines - Florida Schools, Childcare Facilities and Family Daycare Homes

Can I send my children to a public or private school in Florida without immunizations?

All children who attend Florida schools (public or private) are required to be immunized in order to protect them and other children from potentially harmful, and even fatal, vaccine-preventable diseases in accordance with Section 1003.22 (previously 232.032), Florida Statutes, and Rule 64D-3.011, Florida Administrative Code.

Florida's school immunization requirements are in accordance with recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

The State of Florida does not grant exemptions from immunizations based on personal or philosophical reasons. However, Florida does provide a Temporary Medical Exemption (TME) for those who are in the process of completing any necessary immunizations. The TME requires an expiration date after which the exemption is no longer valid, and the immunizations must be completed before or at that time.

A Permanent Medical Exemption can be granted if a child cannot be fully immunized due to medical reasons. In this case, the child's physician must state, in writing, the reasons for exemption based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence.

A Religious Exemption From Immunization, DH form 681, can be issued if immunizations are in conflict with the religious tenets and practices of the child's parent or guardian. This exemption can only be issued by a county health department based on established religious beliefs or practices.

Is there a website that lists clinics offering flu shots?

You can search for flu clinics using the American Lung Association's website FluLocator.org. Visit the Bureau of Immunization's Flu Prevention website. Our Find a Flu Shot page includes links to Florida pharmacies that offer flu shots. You can contact your healthcare provider or local county health department regarding information on flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Where can I find information on travel vaccinations?

Information for travelers can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/vaccinations.aspx. Information regarding specific countries is available at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx. These pages have updated information regarding travel notices and immunization recommendations. Scroll down to the section titled "Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases" for lists of recommended vaccinations and medications. Before visiting, you may need to get the vaccinations and/or medications listed at the CDC's site for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination. You should consult your healthcare provider to determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. Travel vaccinations may be available from your local county health department.

I do not have insurance, how can I get my children's immunizations up-to-date?

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program is a federal program that provides eligible children with all recommended vaccines at no cost. The federal government pays for the vaccines. Doctors and clinics agree to give the vaccines to children who qualify.

Children from birth through 18 years of age can receive VFC vaccine if they:

• Are enrolled in Medicaid (including Medipass and Medicaid HMOs).
• Have no health insurance.
• Are an American Indian or Alaskan Native as defined by the Indian Health Services Act (25 U.S.C. 1603).
• Underinsured children*:
  • Who have commercial (private) health insurance but the coverage does not include vaccines.
  • Whose insurance covers only selected vaccines (VFC-eligible for noncovered vaccines only).
  • Whose insurance caps vaccine coverage at a certain amount--once that coverage amount is reached these children are categorized as underinsured.

*Underinsured children are eligible to receive VFC vaccine only through a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or Rural Health Clinic (RHC).

If your healthcare provider is not enrolled in the VFC Program, please call your local county health department. You can also visit the Florida VFC Program website at www.ImmunizeFlorida.org/vfc.

I do not have health insurance for my child. Who do I call?

Florida KidCare is the state’s children’s health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. It includes four different parts, or programs: MediKids, Healthy Kids, Children's Medical Services and Medicaid. When you apply for the insurance, Florida KidCare will check which program your child may be eligible for based on age and family income.

To apply for Florida KidCare, call 1-888-540-5437, apply online, or print an application and instructions. For more information visit www.floridakidcare.org.