Each October, all public and private schools with a kindergarten are required to
submit reports indicating the immunization status of their kindergarten students
as required by section 1003.22, Florida Statutes, which provides for the
requirement of proper documentation prior to school entry and attendance.
A Certificate of immunization (HRS 680-A) is issued when 5+ doses of DTaP,
4+ doses of polio, and 2 doses of measles, 1 mumps,1 rubella [preferably 2 MMR],
3 hepatitis B and 1 varicella (or 4 DTaP, 3 polio, 2 measles, 1 mumps, and 1
rubella, 3 hepatitis B and 1 varicella if the last dose of DTaP and polio were
given on or after child's fourth birthday) are administered.
Pinellas County’s immunization rate for kindergarten students in
2008-09 declined modestly to 92.5%, but exceeded the state average by the widest
margin in many years.
The decrease in the state immunization percentage from 2007-08 is
primarily the result of a 3.4 percentage point increase in temporary medical
exemptions (3.5% to 6.9%) and is reflected in the increased number of students
who are not up-to-date with immunizations at school entry.
In 2008-09, Pinellas County’s
immunization rate for kindergarten students compared favorably to other
counties of similar size.
