Where to find free vaccinations and low-cost exams for school-age children

Even if your kids are being home-schooled or participating in a distancelearning program or virtual classroom, the state requires documented age-appropriate immunizations for them before entering childcare facilities or being dropped off at family day care homes, according to the Florida Department of Health.

“It’s vital that all children are properly immunized against infectious diseases to safeguard their health and well-being,” said Margaret Lott, M.D., pediatrics, Broward Health Physician Group. “Through Mobilize to Immunize, we’re able to provide, in many cases, lifesaving care to some of our most vulnerable children.”

Two Broward Health community health centers are helping children prepare for the school year by offering free immunizations and low-cost physical exams. The program is creating even greater access to care for children between the ages of 4 and 18 who are uninsured, have Medicaid, or they identify as American Indian.

Health Services personnel will provide immunizations against infectious and life-threatening diseases such as whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, Hepatitis B and polio. Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccinations also will be provided in partnership with the American Cancer Society.

Immunizations and physicals are available from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., July 27Aug. 21 at Cora E. Braynon Family Health Center, 200 NW Seventh Ave., in Fort Lauderdale, and Broward Health Pompano Pediatric Primary Care Center, 601 W. Atlantic Blvd., in Pompano Beach. To better meet the needs of the South Florida community, Spanish and Creole communications are available, with more translation services accessible.

To schedule an appointment, call 954-755-7400. Visit southfloridahospitalnews.com for more details.