It’s not fun for kids to think about shots, especially when they are enjoying summer break, but it’s got to get done for those who are a certain age. 

Doctors remind parents to check and see which vaccines their children need before the school year starts. 

In Florida, schools will not allow children enroll and enter class unless they’ve had all of their vaccines. 

According to the Florida State Health website, here is what is required for students:

Immunizations Required for Childcare and/or Family Daycare

  • Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP)
  • Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
  • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13)
  • Hepatitis B (Hep B)
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Public/Non-public Preschool Entry

  • DTaP
  • IPV
  • MMR
  • Hepatitis B (Hep B)
  • Varicella
  • Hib

Public/Non-public Schools Kindergarten Through 12th Grade

  • Four or five doses of DTaP
  • Four or five doses of IPV
  • Two doses of MMR
  • Three doses of Hep B
  • One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap)
  • Two doses of Varicella (kindergarten effective with 2008–2009 school year, then an additional grade is added each year thereafter). Varicella vaccine is not required if there is a history of varicella disease documented by the health care provider.

Additional Immunization Requirements for 7th Grade Entry
Effective with 2009–2010 school year (then an additional grade is added each year thereafter), in addition to compliance with all other immunization requirements, children entering, attending, or transferring to the seventh grade in Florida schools must complete the following:

  • One Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap)

Also, it’s a good time to get a physical done, especially if you know your child will be participating in sports activities during the school year. 

It is better to go ahead and get it done now, doctors say.