Florida students enrolled in school, whether attending school in-person or virtually, are required to have age-appropriate vaccines with proper documentation on file at the school. Any students without the proper immunization documentation or exemption on file will not be able to start school on August 24, 2020. The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses the importance for children to be up to date on vaccinations by the time school starts. Furthermore, according to the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie, “It is critical to ensure that routine vaccination is maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to protect individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks. Routine vaccination prevents illnesses that lead to additional medical visits, hospitalizations and further strain on the health care system. Immunizations are one of the major weapons available to combat the spread of infectious disease. Vaccinations play a key role in protecting our children and communities, making it one of the most effective public health interventions known to man.”
Special attention must be given to Kindergartners and 7th graders. In addition to the routine immunization schedule required for enrollment, incoming Kindergartners must also have a physical completed within one year of school enrollment. Incoming 7th graders are required to obtain a Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (TDAP) booster immunization before school starts on August 24th. All immunizations must be documented on an updated Florida Certification of Immunization (DH 680 form) and submitted to the school.
Immunization Clinics are being held at the following locations:
- Florida Department of Health
August 10th and August 11th
Havert L. Fenn Center
2000 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
By Appointment Only for Kindergartners and 7th graders
Call 772-462-3800 to schedule to an appointment. - Whole Family Health Center
August 8th
725 North US 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
August 15th
981 37th Place
Vero Beach, Fl 32960
By Appointment Only
Call 1-877-345-WFHC (9342) to schedule an appointment.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) proudly serves students and boasts a traditional high school graduation rate of 97% percent. As a high-ranking B-rated District, there are no failing schools, and SLPS ranks among the top one-third of Florida’s districts for student achievement. The District also has the distinction of being recognized as one of St. Lucie County’s Best Places to Work. The mission of SLPS is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, or visit http://www.stlucieschools.org.
