680 Form

What is the DH 680 form and why is it important?

The DH 680 form, also known as the Florida Certification of Immunization, is a critical document that records a child's immunization history. This form serves as proof that a child has received vaccinations necessary for enrollment in Florida schools, childcare facilities, and family daycare homes. Its legal basis comes from specific Florida Statutes and Administrative Code, making it a mandatory requirement for school attendance in the state.

How do I complete the DH 680 form?

Completing the DH 680 form involves entering all appropriate doses and dates of vaccinations the child has received. It requires the signature and date from a healthcare provider to certify that the immunization record is accurate. Guidelines and instructions for form completion are outlined in detail in the DH Form 150-615, Immunization Guidelines - Florida Schools, Childcare Facilities, and Family Daycare Homes, available online.

What are the parts A, B, and C on the DH 680 form?

The DH 680 form is divided into three parts for different certification needs. Part A is for students K-12 needing certification that immunizations are complete, except for specific 7th grade/middle school requirements. Part B serves for temporary medical exemption and outlines a timeline for incomplete immunizations. Part C is for permanent medical exemption, where certain vaccines are medically contraindicated. Each part requires documentation and signature from a healthcare provider.

Can I grant a temporary or permanent medical exemption using this form?

Yes, the DH 680 form allows for both temporary and permanent medical exemptions from immunizations. Part B is used to document a temporary medical exemption, requiring an expiration date and stating that the child has commenced a schedule to complete required immunizations. Part C is for permanent medical exemptions, where each contraindicated vaccine is listed along with valid clinical reasoning or evidence for the exemption.

Where can I find the DH 680 form?

The DH 680 form is available through healthcare providers that are authorized to administer vaccines in Florida. It can also be accessed online through the Florida Health Department’s website. Healthcare professionals have the tools to enter immunization details electronically and print the form for records and school registration purposes.

What happens if my child’s immunizations are not up to date?

If a child’s immunizations are not up to date, they may be temporarily exempted from the requirement using Part B of the DH 680 form, which allows for attendance while catching up on vaccinations. However, without this form or a plan to complete vaccinations, children may be denied enrollment or attendance in schools and daycare facilities in Florida. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure all vaccinations are received according to state guidelines.

Filling out the Florida Certification of Immunization (Form 680) is an essential step for ensuring that children meet the state's school immunization requirements. However, several common mistakes can lead to unnecessary delays or complications. Here are six such errors to avoid.

One of the most frequent mistakes is not fully completing the personal information section. This includes failing to provide the child's last name, first name, middle initial, date of birth, and the parent or guardian's details. Even though the child's Social Security Number and State Immunization ID# are optional, leaving other crucial fields blank can render the form incomplete.

Another common error involves incorrectly documenting the vaccination dates. Each vaccine has specific dose requirements, and entering dates that do not adhere to the recommended immunization schedule can lead to inaccuracies in the child's immunization status. It's imperative to carefully enter the month, day, and year for each dose received.

Misunderstanding the section that needs to be signed and dated can also lead to issues. Depending on the child's immunization status, either Certificate A, B, or C must be completed. Overlooking the appropriate certificate or failing to sign and date it can invalidate the form.

Not properly indicating the child's immunization status for the correct grade level is a mistake often seen. The form separates the immunization requirements for K-12 and 7th grade. Ensuring that the correct Department of Education (DOE) code is checked, according to the child's grade, is crucial for accuracy.

Forgetting to document temporary or permanent medical exemptions accurately is another oversight. For children who cannot receive certain vaccines due to medical reasons, the specific exemptions must be noted in the appropriate section (Part B for temporary exemptions or Part C for permanent ones), along with a valid expiration date for temporary exemptions.

Lastly, the form requires a physician or clinic's name and signature to certify the immunization record or exemption. Leaving the physician or clinic section blank, or not obtaining an authorized signature, can invalidate the form. Ensuring this section is accurately filled out and signed is essential for the form's acceptance.

Completing the Florida Certification of Immunization (DH 680 Form) is a critical step for students in ensuring they meet the health requirements for school enrollment. However, this process often requires additional documentation to fully comply with state health regulations. Understanding these associated forms and documents can simplify the process for parents and guardians.

• DH Form 150-615, Immunization Guidelines - Florida Schools, Child Care Facilities, and Family Daycare Homes: Serves as a comprehensive guide detailing the required immunizations for school and childcare attendance, including instructions on how to complete the DH 680 form accurately.
• DH 3040, School Entry Health Exam: A form documenting that a child has received a physical examination by a healthcare provider within the past 12 months, a requirement for entering Florida schools for the first time.
• Proof of Varicella (Chickenpox) Immunity or Vaccination Form: While the varicella vaccine is noted in the DH 680, some schools may require a separate form or documentation proving immunity to chickenpox, either through vaccination or by having had the disease.
• Exemption from Immunization Form: For those seeking exemptions from vaccinations for medical reasons, philosophical, or religious beliefs, specific exemption forms must be completed and submitted to school authorities.
• Vaccine Information Statements (VIS): Provided by healthcare providers, these statements offer important information about each vaccine received, including benefits and risks, which can be used to supplement the documentation process.
• Birth Certificate or Other Proof of Identity: Often required alongside the DH 680 form to verify the student's age and identity as part of the school enrollment process.
• Documentation of Additional Vaccines: For vaccines not listed on the DH 680 form but required for certain grade levels or activities, such as the meningococcal vaccine for older students, separate documentation may be necessary.

While the DH 680 form is the cornerstone document for certifying immunization status as required by Florida law, these additional forms and documents play vital roles in ensuring a student meets all health-related enrollment criteria. Properly compiling and submitting these documents can ensure a smooth enrollment process for students entering a new school year or transferring to a Florida school for the first time.

The 680 form, often used in Florida to certify immunization for school or childcare attendance, shares similarities with several other types of documents, each having a specific function in verifying health, legal, or educational status. A notable document reminiscent of the 680 form is the CDC's Vaccine Information Statement (VIS). VIS sheets, distributed before the administration of each vaccine, inform recipients about the benefits and risks of a vaccine. Like the 680 form, they play a crucial role in the vaccination process, ensuring individuals are well informed prior to immunization. However, while the VIS provides details about the vaccine itself, the 680 form documents the completion of these vaccinations for regulatory compliance.

Another similar document is the Medical Exemption Form for vaccines, used when a person cannot receive certain vaccines due to medical contraindications. Similar to the 680 form's Part C, which outlines permanent medical exemptions, this form requires a healthcare provider's validation that certain immunizations are not advisable for the individual’s health. Both documents ensure that individuals with valid health reasons are exempt from standard vaccination requirements.

The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, often referred to as the Yellow Card, also bears resemblance to the 680 form. This document records vaccinations for international travelers, verifying that they have received the vaccines necessary to enter certain countries. While the Yellow Card focuses on international travel requirements, the 680 form ensures compliance with state regulations for school attendance, both serving as official records of immunization.

School physical forms, required for enrollment in many educational institutions, share similarities with the 680 form regarding health documentation. These forms often include a section for recording immunizations alongside other health assessments. Though broader in scope, covering general physical health beyond immunizations, both types of documents are crucial for school readiness and compliance with health regulations.

Employment Health Screening Forms, used by employers to ensure an employee's fitness for a job, occasionally resemble the 680 form in the aspect of documenting immunization, particularly in healthcare settings. While the primary focus may vary, with employment forms concentrating on overall health and job-specific fitness, the inclusion of immunization records highlights the importance of vaccinations in maintaining a healthy working environment.

Childcare Licensing Health Forms share the objective of the 680 form in ensuring that children in facilities are up-to-date on vaccinations to safeguard against the spread of disease in communal settings. These forms must often be completed as part of the licensing process for childcare providers, emphasizing the communal responsibility to protect public health similar to the individual-focused 680 form.

The Pet Vaccination Record, while distinctly different in its subjects, parallels the 680 form in its purpose to document and verify immunizations, in this case, for animals. Both serve as official records, necessary for enrollment in schools or entry to certain facilities, though one is for human public health, and the other for pet health and public safety.

College Immunization Forms, required for university students, often mirror the 680 form's structure by documenting vaccination compliance for mumps, measles, and other diseases. These forms facilitate disease control within dense campus environments, similar to how the 680 form functions within K-12 schools.

The Immunization Tracking Systems (ITS) used by healthcare providers digitize the records akin to the information found on the 680 form, allowing for easier access and management of immunization records. While not a physical document, ITS performs a complementary role to the 680 form by ensuring accurate and up-to-date immunization tracking.

Lastly, Emergency Medical Forms, used in various settings to provide first responders with immediate access to an individual’s health information, can sometimes include vaccination history similar to what's found on the 680 form. This serves the dual purpose of informing medical treatment and indicating the individual’s immunization status, which can be critical in emergency health scenarios.

When completing the Florida Certification of Immunization (DH 680 form), certain practices should be followed to ensure accuracy and compliance with requirements. Below are essential things to do and not to do.

1. Review the Immunization Guidelines available at www.immunizeflorida.org/schoolguide.pdf to understand the requirements and instructions for the form completion.

2. Enter all appropriate vaccine doses and dates accurately, referring to medical records to prevent any errors.

3. Choose the correct certificate (A, B, or C) based on the child's immunization status and complete the section by signing and dating the form.

4. Include both the parent or guardian's name and the child's name, as well as the date of birth (DOB), to ensure the form is correctly attributed to the right individual.

• Do not leave the vaccine codes and dates blank if the child has received immunizations; all fields relevant to the child’s immunization history should be filled out.

• Avoid guessing or estimating dates of immunization; consult the child's immunization record or contact the healthcare provider for accurate information.

• Do not forget to indicate if a temporary medical exemption or permanent medical exemption is applicable, including the expiration date for temporary exemptions and specific reasons for permanent exemptions.

• Do not submit the form without reviewing for accuracy and completeness, ensuring that no required information is missing or incorrectly entered.

Understanding the details and requirements of the Florida Certification of Immunization, commonly referred to as the DH 680 form, is crucial for parents, guardians, and stakeholders involved in the educational and healthcare sectors. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding this document that need clarification to ensure everyone is accurately informed.

• Misconception 1: The Social Security Number (SSN) of the child is mandatory on the form. The DH 680 form indicates the inclusion of the child’s SSN as optional. This means parents or guardians are not required to provide this information for the form to be considered valid. The purpose of including it is merely to aid in the identification process, not as a compulsory requirement.

• Misconception 2: All children must complete the entire series of vaccinations listed before school enrollment. While the form lists multiple vaccinations, there are circumstances, such as medical exemptions (Part C of the form) or temporary medical exemptions (Part B), that allow for enrollment without a complete immunization record. The key is to provide proper documentation and adhere to the guidelines for these exemptions.

• Misconception 3: The 680 form is only for public school admissions. The scope of the DH 680 form extends beyond just public school admissions; it also applies to childcare facilities, family daycare homes, and private schools. Its purpose is to ensure that all children in these settings are sufficiently immunized, aligning with public health standards set by the state of Florida.

• Misconception 4: Once the DH 680 form is completed, it never needs to be updated. Immunization records may need to be updated for various reasons, such as new vaccine requirements or updates to the child’s medical condition that could change their exemption status. Therefore, it’s important to revisit and, if necessary, revise the DH 680 form to reflect the most current immunization status of the child.

By debunking these misconceptions, all parties involved can ensure that the Florida Certification of Immunization process is navigated correctly, contributing to the health and safety of children across the state.

When completing the Florida Certification of Immunization (Form 680), it is essential to ensure accuracy and completeness for the documentation of vaccinations. Below are five key takeaways to guide individuals through the process:

• Collect all necessary information before filling out: Confirm you have all vaccine doses and dates available, as you will need to enter these specifics. Gathering vaccination records in advance can streamline the completion process.
• Understand the different sections of the form: The form is divided into three parts; A, B, and C, each serving a different purpose. Part A is for students with complete immunizations for K-12 (excluding 7th grade requirements), Part B is for temporary medical exemptions, and Part C is for permanent medical exemptions. Identifying the appropriate section is crucial based on the student's immunization status.
• The importance of reviewing guidelines: Consult the Immunization Guidelines for Florida Schools, Childcare Facilities, and Family Daycare Homes for detailed instructions on how to fill out the form correctly. The guidelines, available at the provided link, offer valuable information to avoid common mistakes.
• Optional information: Understand that providing the child’s Social Security Number (SSN) and the State Immunization ID# is optional. These fields are not mandatory for the form’s submission but can be filled out if preferred.
• Properly sign and date the form: Completion of the form requires a signature from either the physician, clinic staff, or authorized personnel. The signature, accompanied by a date, validates the form. Without these, the form may be considered incomplete and could result in delays or the need for resubmission.

Ensuring the Form 680 is accurately completed and properly signed is vital for compliance with Florida's immunization requirements for school and childcare attendance. Attention to detail and adherence to guidelines can facilitate a smooth process for all involved parties.