Health Department encourages vaccinations
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

The Santa Rosa County Health Department (SRCHD), along with Santa Rosa County Schools, are working together to ensure that all upcoming seventh graders receive tetanus boosters (Td) and have completed the Hepatitis B series of immunizations. Parents and guardians are encouraged to arrange for their sixth-grade children to have these immunizations completed prior to entering seventh grade. In addition, kindergarteners entering school for the first time must have a second varicella (VZV or chicken pox) vaccination.

"Parents need to know children entering the seventh grade without proof of tetanus boosters and a completed Hepatitis B series may not be allowed to proceed with registration or pick up class schedules," stated Sharon Achors, RN, School Health Coordinator with SRCHD. "Immunizations need to be documented on the State of Florida Form 680, commonly referred to as the 'blue card'".

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), receiving the tetanus vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus and diphtheria. Tetanus causes serious, painful spasms of all muscles and can lead to lockjaw. Diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis and even death. The health department recommends TDAP, the latest version of the vaccine, which also offers protection against pertussis or "whooping cough."

An additional requirement for newly-registered kindergarteners is that children have a second varicella vaccination before being allowed to enter K-five. Due to possible reoccurrences of chicken pox in school-age children, Florida is now requiring a second dose beginning in the 2008/2009 school year. This will not be a requirement for children who are currently in kindergarten or are already in school; only for those entering kindergarten for the first time.

The above required immunizations are available free of charge to eligible children at the Santa Rosa County Health Department through the Vaccines for Children Program. No appointments are required. Immunizations are offered Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at 5527 Stewart Street in Milton. SRCHD's Midway office is located at 5840 Gulf Breeze Parkway and is open for immunizations on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.

For additional information on immunizations, interested persons may visit http://www.cdc.gov/nip/default. htm. Other information such as shot schedules for children can be obtained by visiting www.doh.state.fl.us/chdsantarosa or by calling 850-983- 5200.