PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – School opens in a few weeks and the Palm Beach County Health Department has increased its number of immunization nurses, stocked up on vaccine, expanded its outreach and is ready to help incoming and advancing students meet the deadline for required immunizations.

    “We’re ready for the last minute crunch. All we lack are students in need of updating their immunizations for admittance to school this August.” Said Health Department Director, Dr. Jean Malecki. “In years past, we increased our capacities in late July but this year we started earlier in the hopes people will avoid being turned away the week before school starts.”

    Palm Beach County Schools require all new registrants for Kindergarten and transfer students to show proof they have been vaccinated for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Hepatitis B. Students entering the seventh grade need a Tetanus/Diphtheria booster, Td, or can receive the booster with pertussis (whooping cough) added, TdaP. In recent years whooping cough has been on the rise and a second dose of the vaccine is now recommended for this age group. Also new for those entering Kindergarten is proof they have received a second dose of the Chicken Pox vaccine or show evidence they have had the disease.

    The Health Department’s Immunization Van will be at the following sites Saturdays in July and August:

• July 19, Gaines Park
  1501 Australian, West Palm Beach, Registration 8:00 am.
   
• July 26, Jamaicans of Palm Beaches Health Fair
  1150 45th Street, West Palm Beach Registration 8:30 am.
   
• August 2, 1st Baptist Church Hypoluxo,
  7479 Overlook Rd, Lantana, Registration 9:30 am.
   
• August 9, Redemptive Life Fellowship
  2101 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach, Registration 8:30 am.
   
• August 16, C.O. Taylor Kirklane Elementary
  4200 Purdy Lane, Palm Springs, Registration 9:00 am.
   
• August 23, Grace Episcopal Church
  3600 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach, registration 9:30 am..
   

    The van will also be at various locations throughout the county weekdays and the Health Department Clinics are available to take appointments. Persons can also visit their medical provider.

   For further information, www.pbchd.com, or call 800-810-1225.

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