The Florida Department of Health in Highlands County (DOH-Highlands) protects the health and safety of our communities by providing immunization services and education to the public on the importance of vaccines. Childhood, adult, and travel vaccines are available.
Immunizations (shots) prevent disease in those who receive them, and protect those who come into contact with unvaccinated individuals. Vaccines reduce the risk of infection by working with the body’s natural defenses to help it safely develop immunity to disease.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible?
- Children from birth through 18 years of age.
- Adults
What is the fee?
Vaccines for Children immunizations are provided to children who meet program eligibility at no cost to the parent/guardian. We do accept Medicaid and most insurance.
Is an appointment required?
No appointment is needed for childhood vaccines. You can walk-in for immunization services during the hours listed below.
What are the clinic hours?
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
What should I bring with me? (i.e. for eligibility, etc.)
- A valid photo I.D. (such as a Driver’s License)
- Your child’s insurance card
- Your child’s shot records (if you have moved to Florida from out of state)
adult immunizations
Adults need to keep their immunizations up-to-date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. The Florida Department of Health in Highlands County offers a variety of vaccinations for adults.
Adult immunization services are available by appointment only. Please call 863-386-6040 to schedule an appointment. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Please bring all immunization records with you to the appointment. Advise the nurse if you:
- Have any known allergies
- Have had previous reactions to vaccines
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
The prices for adult vaccines vary and there is an administrative fee for each appointment.
Immunizations Available for Adults
- Chicken pox (varicella)
- Flu (seasonal)
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A/B combination
- Human papillomavirus (HPV9)
- Meningitis ACW-Y (MCV4)
- Meningitis B
- MMR (measles/mumps/rubella)
- Pneumonia, PPSV23
- Pneumonia, PCV-13
- Polio
- Rabies
- Shingles (Shingrix)
- Td (tetanus/diphtheria)
- Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis)
- Typhoid (injection)
- Yellow fever (YF Vax)
- Cholera (Vaxchora)
childhood immunizations
Exemption from required immunizations
Form DH 681 is issued if immunizations are in conflict with the religious tenets and practices of the child’s parent or guardian.
School enrollment requirements in Florida
Learn more about the health requirements related to student enrollment in Florida’s schools.
The Florida Department of Health in Highlands County offers free vaccines for eligible children from birth through age 18. We offer all ACIP/CDC recommended vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program.
Immunizations Available for Children
Available vaccines include:
- Dtap
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- HIB
- HPV (human pappilomavirus) now offered to boys and girls
- Rotavirus
- Meningococcal ACWY
- MenB
- MMR (measles/mumps/rubella)
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Tetanus/diphtheria
- TdaP
- Varicella (chidkenpox)
- Influenza
Child immunizations are available either by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 863-386-6040 to schedule an appointment. Please bring all shot records for your child with you.
Travel Vaccines
Many of the diseases that have been eliminated in the United States are still common in other parts of the world. When traveling outside the United States, it is important to make sure your health is protected by getting the immunizations recommended or required for where you are going.
In addition to providing vaccines, such as yellow fever and typhoid, the clinic at The Florida Department of Health in Highlands County (DOH-Highlands) can give you a prescription for anti-malaria medicine and information on general safety issues, travel alerts, and health information from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specific to your destination.
As soon as you know you will be traveling outside the U.S. and where you will be going, you should visit the CDC Traveler’s Health website. This page will help you have an idea of what type of vaccines may be required or recommended for your trip. When you call to schedule your travel appointment, we can answer any questions you may have about the vaccines. Please note that it can take several weeks or months to complete a series of vaccinations, so you should call well ahead of your planned departure date.
Travel vaccinations are by appointment only. There are no walk-ins available. You must call 863-386-6040 and ask to speak with our travel staff to schedule an appointment.
- Travel vaccination appointments require a $35.00 visit fee.
- Most travel vaccinations may also have other fees associated with them.
- When you call to schedule an appointment, you can ask about the fees before your visit.
- We accept cash, check, Mastercard, or VIsa as payment.
- Travel appointments can take up to an hour.
Please fill out the Travel Vaccine Questionnaire before your appointment and bring it with you.
If you will need a yellow fever vaccine for your trip, please be sure to bring a note from your doctor stating you can have this vaccine.