Florida SHOTS records depend on who entered the shot

Immunization records are a classic Florida moving chore. Schools, camps, doctors, colleges, and some jobs may ask for proof faster than you expect.

Florida SHOTS is the state immunization registry, and it can help patients and parents request records. The catch is that a registry is only as complete as the records entered into it. If a shot was given in another state, at an older clinic, at a pharmacy, or by a provider that did not send the record, the paper trail may be split.

Start with Florida SHOTS, then call the doctor, clinic, pharmacy, school, or health department that may have the older record. Ask for dates and vaccine names, not just a general letter.

If a child is starting school or daycare, handle this early. A record hunt is much less stressful in June than it is the night before the first day.