Health officials: Make appointments for blue cards and needed immunizations now

Courtesy/National Institutes of Health

MOBILE, Ala. – Appointments are now being accepted at the Mobile County Health Department’s Immunization Clinic in downtown Mobile for children who need vaccines to update their Certificate of Immunization, also called a blue card, for the upcoming 2013-14 school year. Appointments also are accepted at the agency’s other clinics located throughout the county.

"Now is the perfect time for people to come because there won't be a huge line or long wait," said Monica Z. Knight, Director of the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at the Mobile County Health Department. "When you come, please be patient and prepared."

Previously, clients were seen on a first-come first-served basis at the immunization clinic at 251 N. Bayou St. In the days leading up to the start of school, crowds of up to 100 people or more have been common as parents and caregivers seek to make sure students have the paperwork needed to attend public schools and day care centers across Mobile.

Now, when you schedule an appointment to update vaccines, you won’t have to go to the back of the line, and will instead be seen at the appointed time, health officials said. Appointments for the immunization clinic may be made by calling 251-690-8908. Because of high volumes, among other factors, it typically takes 48 hours to process and create a new Immunization Certificate.  

Children in Alabama who will attend day cares, Head Start programs, or public or private schools must have an Immunization Certificate showing that immunizations are up-to-date, health officials said. Aug. 19 is the first day of classes for public school students in Mobile County.

New immunization certificates are issued when appropriate immunizations are received. Students who are not changing schools this year, and don't have an expired blue card, should already have their Immunization Certificates on file at the school. If your child sees a private physician or other provider, their blue card can be obtained from the medical clinic where you see that doctor, health officials said. 

Useful tips

Here's what to bring when coming in for school immunizations and Immunization Certificate:

Parent’s photo ID; Child’s Social Security number; Child’s immunization record; Insurance card.

Immunizations are available on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mobile County Health Department's Immunization Clinic. All required and recommended vaccinations are free or low-cost based on eligibility. 

If a child’s immunizations are up-to-date and only the child’s Immunization Certificate is needed, the parent may drop off the child’s immunization history at the MCHD’s Immunization Clinic in downtown Mobile at 251 N. Bayou St., and the certificate will typically be available for pick-up 48 hours later.