The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade (DOH-Miami-Dade) has been a cornerstone of public health since 1963, diligently serving as the local arm of Florida’s Bureau of Immunization. Dedicated to safeguarding the community from vaccine-preventable diseases, DOH-Miami-Dade offers a wide array of immunization services for residents of all ages. While we focus on preventative health measures like immunizations, it’s important to note that comprehensive community health also includes programs that support individuals in their homes. Although not directly related to Miami-dade County Home Care Program, our immunization services play a vital role in keeping families healthy and reducing the burden on healthcare systems, which indirectly supports the well-being of individuals needing home care.
Understanding Immunization Services at DOH-Miami-Dade
DOH-Miami-Dade’s Immunization Services Program is structured around a clear set of goals aimed at protecting the health of both residents and visitors within Miami-Dade County. These objectives are designed to create a healthier community through proactive and accessible healthcare initiatives.
Goals of the Immunization Program
The core goals of the Immunization Services Program are multifaceted and address various aspects of public health related to vaccine-preventable diseases:
- Control and Elimination of Diseases: The primary goal is to actively control and, where possible, eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases within Miami-Dade County for both residents and tourists. This involves continuous monitoring and proactive immunization strategies.
- Barrier-Free Immunizations and Education: DOH-Miami-Dade is committed to providing easy access to immunizations and education for everyone, from infants to senior citizens. This ensures that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from preventative healthcare.
- Parent and Guardian Education: Recognizing the crucial role of informed consent, the program prioritizes educating parents and guardians about the critical importance of vaccines in protecting their children’s health and the community’s well-being.
- Public and Private Sector Collaboration: The program extends its reach by educating and monitoring both private and public healthcare sectors. This includes consultative screenings of immunization records and ensuring proper vaccine handling and storage techniques across all healthcare providers.
- Ongoing Disease Surveillance: To effectively combat vaccine-preventable diseases, continuous surveillance is essential. DOH-Miami-Dade actively monitors disease trends to quickly identify and respond to potential outbreaks, ensuring community safety.
Key Immunization Services Offered
DOH-Miami-Dade provides a range of crucial immunization services designed to meet the diverse needs of the Miami-Dade community. These services are structured to be accessible and efficient, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the protection vaccines offer.
Accessing Your Immunization Records
DOH-Miami-Dade can assist in locating immunization records stored in the Florida Shots database. This database includes records entered by various healthcare providers across Florida.
Requesting Your Records:
To request a search of the Florida Shots database, you will need to complete an Authorization to Disclose Form and fax it to 786-845-0598, along with a copy of your valid state ID or passport.
If your immunization record is found in Florida Shots, DOH-Miami-Dade will fax it back to you. Please allow up to 5 business days for processing your request.
For those without fax access, appointments can be scheduled at one of our clinics to obtain your records in person.
Free Childhood Immunizations through VFC
Ensuring children receive necessary vaccinations is a top priority. Through the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, DOH-Miami-Dade offers free immunizations to all children visiting our clinics. The VFC program is a public-private partnership designed to remove financial barriers to childhood immunizations.
Since its inception in 1994, the VFC program has been instrumental in distributing over $100 million in vaccines to Florida healthcare providers, significantly increasing childhood immunization rates. DOH-Miami-Dade is dedicated to upholding this mission, guaranteeing every child access to essential immunizations, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Vaccines Available for Children (ages 0-18):
The following vaccines are provided free of charge to eligible children:
- DT (Diphtheria and Tetanus)
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis)
- Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria)
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- HPV-9 (Human Papillomavirus 9-valent)
- Influenza (Flu)
- IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus)
- MCV4 (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
- Meningococcal B
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
- Rotavirus
- VZV (Varicella Zoster Virus – Chickenpox)
Scheduling an Appointment:
To schedule an immunization appointment for your child, please call our appointment line at 786-845-0550.
To expedite your clinic visit, you can complete pre-registration forms. Download the Pediatric Pre-Registration Form (one per child) and bring it with you to your scheduled appointment.
Daycare Immunization Support
DOH-Miami-Dade’s immunization program actively collaborates with the Department of Children and Families to ensure high immunization rates within daycare facilities. This partnership is crucial for preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in childcare settings.
The Daycare Immunization Team conducts audits of daycare immunization records, providing assistance to daycares in maintaining compliance with immunization requirements. When children’s records are found to be non-compliant, parents are notified with guidance on how to bring their child’s immunizations up to date.
Adult Immunizations for Health and Requirements
DOH-Miami-Dade also offers a comprehensive suite of adult vaccines. These vaccines support general health and meet specific requirements for college/university enrollment and immigration processes.
Scheduling an Appointment:
Adults seeking immunizations can schedule an appointment by calling 786-845-0550.
To streamline your visit, you can complete the Travel and Adult Pre-Registration Form and bring it with you to your appointment.
For information on vaccine costs, please refer to the Vaccine Immunization Fee(s) Reference. Please note that new fees are effective from September 20, 2024. Travel vaccine pricing excludes a $65 travel immunization prescription fee.
Ensuring Vaccine Safety: Storage and Handling
Maintaining vaccine potency is critical to ensuring effective immunization. Proper vaccine storage and handling, including precise refrigeration at recommended temperatures, are essential. Deviations from these temperature guidelines can compromise vaccine effectiveness, leading to inadequate immunization.
DOH-Miami-Dade staff conducts on-site immunization reviews at VFC provider clinics to verify that vaccines are stored correctly, adhering to best practices and regulatory standards.
Local medical VFC providers seeking information or guidance on vaccine storage and handling can contact the immunization program directly at 305-470-5660.
Conclusion
DOH-Miami-Dade’s Immunization Services Program is a vital resource for the community, dedicated to protecting public health through accessible and comprehensive immunization services. Whether you are seeking immunizations for your child, require adult vaccines, or need to access immunization records, DOH-Miami-Dade is here to serve you. By prioritizing preventative care through vaccination, we collectively contribute to a healthier and safer Miami-Dade County. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
