Back-to-school immunizations and physicals

Backpacks, lunch boxes and notebooks are all essential items needed for going back to school. Equally important are required back-to-school immunizations and physicals.

That is why the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) is offering its annual summer back-to-school clinic services to students kindergarten through grade 12 to prepare for the 2019-20 school year.

DOH-Pinellas’ school-based clinics provide school, sports and well-child physicals, including immunizations, at no cost for clients in need. Vision screenings, provided by Preserve Vision Florida, as well as assistance for glasses and exams (for qualifying clients) will be available.

SERTOMA Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida, Inc. will provide support to students who need additional hearing consultation and screening. The last day to receive services is Tuesday, Aug. 13.

The services will be provided at no cost by appointment only between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Mondays through Thursdays on a rotating schedule at the following locations:

• Pinellas Park High School Clinic: 6305 118th Ave. N
• Northeast High School Clinic: 5500 16th St. N
• Gibbs High School Clinic: 850 34th St. S
• Boca Ciega High School Clinic: 924 58th St. S

For appointments, call (727) 824-6900 and select menu option 4. A parent or guardian must bring the child’s immunization record and accompany the child to receive services. If the parent is not present, consent must be obtained before receiving services.

All Pinellas children entering kindergarten on Aug. 14 are required to present a school entrance physical, dated within one year of school enrollment.

DOH-Pinellas’ school-based clinics are a partnership with the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. The clinics provide services to students on campus during the school year and open to the community during the summer months.

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