As kids enjoy their summer vacations, their parents may not be thinking of the vaccines or physicals required for sports or school entry. Families who plan ahead can take steps now to avoid the usual back-to-school rush at clinics and health departments before Pinellas schools are back in session on Monday, Aug. 24.

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) offers school immunizations for students through the age of 18 at no cost. Health departments in St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Clearwater, Mid-County (Largo) and Tarpon Springs provide vaccines without an appointment on weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. For DOH-Pinellas health department locations, go to https://pinellas.floridahealth.gov/locations/index.html.

Select DOH-Pinellas clinics are also offering no-cost or low-cost school and sports physicals through Friday, Aug. 21. The clinics at Gibbs, Northeast, Boca Ciega and Pinellas Park high schools and DOH-Pinellas’ Clearwater health department are offering the physicals on a rotating schedule for $26.50 or less, depending on the family’s situation. School-based clinics are funded by the Juvenile Welfare Board.

To make an appointment or for more information about scheduling, call (727) 824-6900. Parents must accompany the child and bring his/her immunization record.

For information about DOH-Pinellas, go to https://pinellas.floridahealth.gov/.