Health Department offers school immunization and physicals

The Hernando County Health Department will offer back-to-school immunizations each Thursday afternoon Aug. 5-26. Appointments are now being scheduled for the Spring Hill clinic location at 7465 Forest Oaks Blvd., and for the Brooksville clinic location at 300 S. Main St. and can be made by calling 352-540-6800, Ext. 82299.

Back-to-school immunizations require a parent or guardian be present with identification and the child's current shot records. All recommended school vaccinations are free of charge for children through age 18 through the Vaccines For Children program.

Recommended childhood immunizations work to protect children from illnesses and death caused by infectious diseases. While the U.S. currently has record, or near record, low cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, the viruses and bacteria that cause them still exist. Parents are encouraged to keep immunizations current and immunization records in a safe place. For more information on childhood immunizations, call the Hernando County Health Department at 352-540-6800 or visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Quick and easy back to school physicals through Fast Track

SPRING HILL - The Hernando County Health Department announces Fast Track, an annual program designed to make getting back to school physicals quick and affordable. Fast Track will be open Tuesday, Aug. 10, Wednesday, Aug. 11, and Thursday, Aug. 12, at the Spring Hill clinic location, 7465 Forest Oaks Blvd. Appointment times are from 8 a.m. to noon and can be made by calling 352-540-6800, Ext. 82299. Callers should mention "Fast Track" when making appointments or leaving a voice message. Fast Track back to school physicals are $35. Cash, check and credit card accepted. No Medicaid, insurance or vouchers will be accepted.

Fast Track school physicals are available for all childrenentering school for thefirst time for gradesk thru 12 are designed for children with no pre-existing medical conditions or prescription needs. Sport physicals are not offered through Fast Track. The Health Department continues to offer traditional school physicals for all Hernando County children throughout the year.

For information, call the Health Department at 352-540-6800, Ext. 82299.