Free Immunizations Available As Start Of School Approaches

By GEOFF FOX The Tampa Tribune

Published: Aug 12, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - The Pasco County Health Department has urged parents to have their children's vaccinations updated by the start of the new school year.

People are getting the message.

"We've given lots of vaccines over the last few weeks," County Nursing Director Carol Cummins said.

School starts Aug. 20 for the county's public school students.

Those who still need to receive the immunizations can get them at health department locations in Dade City, Hudson, Land O' Lakes, New Port Richey and Zephyrhills. The immunizations are free for public school students 18 and younger, the health department said.

Cummins has said people shouldn't wait until the last minute to get the vaccinations, because health department offices will be busier as the first day of school draws near.

The state Department of Health recommends the following vaccinations schedule:

•For diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis - or whooping cough - children should have five doses by age 5, including four doses by 18 months and one by age 4 or 5;

•Four polio vaccinations by age 5, including three doses by 18 months and one dose by age 4 or 5;

•Two doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine by age 5, including a dose at 12 to 15 months and another by age 4 or 5;

•Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine by 12 months;

•Four doses of pneumococcal conjugate - or pneumonia - vaccine by 12 months;

•Two doses for chickenpox, including one at or after 12 months and another between ages 4 and 6;

•For Haemophilus influenzae Type b - or Hib - two or three doses by 6 months, depending on what type of vaccine is used.

Cummins said Hib, which can be a precursor to meningitis, can occur in children with ear infections.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT NUMBERS

The following are telephone numbers for Pasco County Health Department locations:

•In Dade City, call (352) 521-1450;

•In Hudson, call (727) 863-2444;

•In Land O' Lakes, call (813) 558-5173;

•In New Port Richey, call (727) 861-5260;

•In Zephyrhills, call (813) 782-1740.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 948-4217 or gfox@tampatrib.com.