DOH-Sarasota administers immunizations (also called childhood shots and
vaccinations) to children. Immunizations help prevent your child from
getting measles, mumps, and other dangerous diseases.
We accept Medicaid and many private insurance plans - many
routine immunizations are often covered.
Through the federally funded Vaccines For Children (VFC) program,
immunizations are made available to eligible children at no cost.
Getting childhood immunizations at DOH-Sarasota: Many immunizations are available at no cost to eligible
children. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or
legal guardian. No appointment is needed for childhood
immunizations. Bring available shot records.
Immunizations are Required for School and Child Care
Children must be immunized before enrolling at any Florida public school as well as many private
schools and child (day) care centers. By the time a child
starts school he/she should have already had a number of required
immunizations. However, proof of updates, boosters, and series
completion is required to enter Sarasota County Schools for the
first time and to advance to some grade levels.
Need copies of shot records for school or child (day)
care?
Check with your child’s school or private doctor.
Please ask them to fax the record to us: (941) 861-2722.
Our staff can then transfer the record to the required DH
680 form.
If you are unable to have your child’s records faxed from
their school or doctor:
Adults who get pertussis or whooping cough may dismiss it as a
nagging cough associated with the common cold. They can unknowingly
spread pertussis when they cough. Pertussis can be life-threatening
in infants and young children. Health officials urge parents,
grandparents and caregivers of infants and small children to get
immunized against pertussis. You can do this by requesting the Tdap
(tetanus diphtheria acellular pertussis) vaccine the next time you
are due for your Tetanus Diphtheria (Td) booster. Ask your
healthcare provider or contact the DOH-Sarasota
for more information.
Watch this video to learn more about the sounds of pertussis in
young children and what you can do to protect them.
