ORLANDO – The Orange County Health Department is observing Preteen Vaccine Week, February 13-19, 2011 to raise awareness of the importance of immunizations for “tweens” 11 and 12 years of age. The goals of this observance is to motivate parents to get their preteens caught up on any missed childhood vaccines such as Tdap, Flu, Meningococcal, and HPV. 

“This is a good time for parents to schedule a medical check-up for their preteen to make sure their child has all of the vaccines to prevent serious, and sometimes life threatening diseases,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, Director of the Orange County Health Department. 

Vaccines For Children (VFC) is a federally funded program which provides vaccines to children under the age of 18 at no cost.  Parents who do not have health insurance for their preteen may qualify for this program. They can check with any healthcare provider for eligibility requirements.  

These vaccines as well as others are available at the Orange County Health Department’s Central Health Center located at 832 West Central Boulevard, Monday through Friday from 7:30am- 3:00pm on a first-come, first-serve walk in basis. The immunization program is closed the 2nd Friday of each month. 

For more information, go to www.doh.state.fl.us/Disease_ctrl/immune/adult/ptvw.htm or www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol/07gallery/default.htm.