School Immunizations: What You Need To Know

Back to school is about book bags and bus stops, but don't forget to check up on the health of your child before the first school bell rings.

All Tampa Bay area school districts require students be up to date on their immunizations. But don't panic. You only have to submit those records a couple times during your child's entire public school career.

If your child is entering the school district for the first time, you'll need to submit updated shot records and make sure they've had a physical to properly enroll them. Then you have to do it again when they are entering the seventh grade.

However, school officials encourage parents to annually check that their child's immunization records match up with what the school district requires. To check those requirements see the links below:

Hillsborough County School Immunization Requirements

Pinellas County School Immunization Requirements

Pasco County School Immunization Requirements

Does your child still need immunizations? Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties offer free physicals and immunizations for children. Call your local health department to schedule an appointment:

Hillsborough County Health Department - 813-307-8077

Pinellas County Health Department - 727-824-6900

Pasco County Health Department - 727-861-5260