Frequently Asked Questions

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For questions, please email the bureau at Immunization@doh.state.fl.us

I have moved and have incomplete immunization records for my children. I have a yellow card with their vaccination history on it, but have been told I need another form before they can attend a Florida school. What form do I need and how can I get one?

The form you are referring to is the DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization or "Blue Card". The form is required for any child entering Florida schools (public or private, K-12), pre-schools, childcare facilities or family day care homes. You can take the yellow card that you mentioned to your private health care provider or county health department to have your child's immunization history transferred to the DH 680.

I am trying to obtain current and accurate immunization records for my child and am having difficulty in doing so. I know there are immunization requirements for children entering the Florida school system, but I have no record of any shots. What steps should I take to ensure that this child is properly immunized, and can attend school?

If you know the name of the child's previous health care provider, that would be the best place to start. The child's doctor should have a record of the immunizations given. This record could be transferred to a current provider or county health department and any additional vaccines needed could be administered. The doctor or county health department can then issue a DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization, which will allow the child to attend a Florida school.

Florida has developed a statewide, computerized immunization registry, Florida SHOTS , and vaccination records for county health department clients are available (to authorized system users only) through a central database. The registry now includes the immunization records of children receiving their immunizations from many private physicians as well. Health care providers who are authorized immunization registry users may be able to access the records for any previous immunization in the state.

If you are unable to contact a previous health care provider, check with the county health department for the state and county from which the child has moved. If that state has an immunization registry, you may be able to obtain a complete record from that state's health department.

If none of those avenues prove successful, you should contact your private health care provider or county health department for further assistance. Explain the situation to them, and they will be able to assist you following proper medical protocol.

I want to obtain a copy of my child's immunization records for my personal files. Where can I get one?

You can ask the health care provider who administered the immunizations to your child for a personal immunization record card. Many cards are wallet-sized cards that are convenient to keep.

If the doctor doesn't have a card that they issue for parent's records, you may be able to ask for a photocopy of the child's official immunization record for your files.

Florida has developed a statewide, computerized immunization registry, Florida SHOTS , and vaccination records for county health department clients are available (to authorized system users only) through a central database. The registry now includes the immunization records of children receiving their immunizations from many private physicians as well. Health care providers who are authorized immunization registry users may be able to access the records for any previous immunization in the state.

I recently heard that all students attending Florida colleges are required to provide proof of Meningitis vaccination. Is this true?

The Florida Legislature recently passed a law that will be effective on January 7, 2003, that requires all students who attend a Florida college and reside on campus to receive a meningitis and hepatitis B vaccine, or submit a waiver stating that they do not want the vaccine (if the student is under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver). You should contact the specific college to find out their requirements and procedures.

I have recently moved to Florida and have a child that will be entering kindergarten and one that will be entering 7^th grade. What are the immunization requirements to get my children into Florida schools?

The following link will give you all of the information on Florida's immunization requirements for school entry:

Link to Immunization Guidelines - Florida Schools, Child Care Facilities and Family Day Care Homes [PDF 213 KB]

Can I send my children to a public or private school in Florida without immunizations?

All children who attend Florida schools (public or private) are required to be immunized in order to protect them and other children from potentially harmful, and even fatal, vaccine-preventable diseases in accordance with Section 1003.22 (previously 232.032), Florida Statutes, and Rule 64D-3.011, Florida Administrative Code.

Florida's school immunization requirements are in accordance with recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the United States Public Health Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Medical Association. These are the most widely recognized and accepted sources on vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases.

The State of Florida does not grant exemptions from immunizations based on personal or philosophical reasons. However, Florida does provide a Temporary Medical Exemption (TME) for those who are in the process of completing any necessary immunizations. The TME requires an expiration date after which the exemption is no longer valid, and the immunizations must be completed before or at that time.

A Permanent Medical Exemption can be granted if a child cannot be fully immunized due to medical reasons. In this case the child's physician must state in writing the reasons for exemption based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence.

A Religious Exemption From Immunization (DH form 681) can be issued if immunizations are in conflict with the religious tenets and practices of the child's parent or guardian. This exemption can be issued only by a county health department and only based on established religious beliefs or practices.

Is there a web site that lists clinics offering flu shots?

Presently, the Bureau of Immunization does not have such a listing. You can contact your local county health department or personal physician regarding information on flu and pneumonia vaccines. You can click on the "County Health Departments" link on the Bureau of Immunization's website for further information on contacting your local county health department