JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Just in time for the school year, the Florida Department of Health is offering a new option for families to catch up on their vaccines.
An immunization walk-in clinic at 3225 University Boulevard is now serving families on the Southside.
The center, in Suite 101, is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-noon on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
The Florida Department of Health previously had only one immunization location -- off Pearl Street in Brentwood.
Florida Health hopes the opening of the new immunization center off University Boulevard gives more access to families in the Southside area.
Dr. Pauline Rolle said many people may not look forward to shots, but they're necessary to avoid catching deadly diseases.
"Throughout the country we're seeing upticks in measles as well as pertussis,” Rolle said. “Those are the ones that are on people's minds, and we're seeing a lot of chickenpox."
Vaccines help develop protection to countless infectious diseases by allowing the body to recognize and fight vaccine-preventable diseases.
The following vaccines are required for children entering preschool and grades K-12: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B.
"Unfortunately, parents sometimes miss deadlines in terms of when the vaccines are due, and so we're having to play catch-up,” Rolle said.
That's where the walk-in clinic comes in.
The clinic held a health fair Thursday to give families a chance to visit the new facility and speak with its staff.
"It is important to have well visits -- not to just visit the doctor's office when your child is sick,” Rolle said. “But to have those regular visits so that your child's care is maintained."
Rolle also said it's important for families to check their health records regularly and establish a medical home, so they can build relationships with a family doctor.
College-bound students, adults and pregnant women are also encouraged to stay up-to-date on vaccinations.
"That helps to protect those who cannot be vaccinated -- for instances, children under 2 months (old)," Rolle said.
Florida Health immunization centers participate in a federally funded program that offers free vaccines for kids up to 18 years old.
To find out if your family is eligible, go to floridahealth.gov.