Before kids hit the books in a few days or weeks, parents have their own homework to do. They need to make sure their children don't need any shots before the first day of public or private school, even if its online.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools' Director for School Operations and Special Programs Mark Zaher says if they don't, "you are not going to attend a virtual setting class with My School Online without having your vaccinations."
Click here to see a list of what shots are needed when.
He stresses school age vaccines are designed to prevent disease and control outbreaks, "because you're going to be around the public. You're going to be around other kids. You're going to be around adults, and so making sure that you have two doses for measles, mumps, and rubella [vaccine] that is protecting our country and protecting children."
Zaher says school district officials will try to contact, in advance, parents of children whose records need updated 680 Forms from the Health Department.
Click here to see where low and no cost vaccines are available.
While not required, he reiterates flu shots are also important to reduce respiratory illness in the community dealing with a pandemic.