Immunization clinic staff prepares for back-to-school blue card rush





Mobile County Health Department staff member Barbara Gibbs, who works

in the Immunization Clinic, shows off some of the literature she has prepared

for those who visit the downtown health center this summer. 



MOBILE, Alabama -- With a little more than a month before Mobile County public schools are back in session, immunization clinic staff members are preparing for the annual last-minte rush of parents trying to make sure their children's immunization records, also known as blue cards, are up-to-date.

Appointments are now being accepted by the Mobile County Health Department's Immunization Clinic in downtown Mobile for school-age children who need to receive vaccines to update their immunization certificate. Previously, clients were seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Mobile County Public School System starts classes on August 19.

Immunization appointments 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, health officials said.

Children in Alabama who will attend day cares, Head Start programs, or public or private schools must have an immunization certificate showing that required vaccines are up-to-date before they can be enrolled. Children who are not changing schools this year and don't have an expired blue card should already have an immunization certificate on file at the school, health officials said.

Immunzations are available on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the MCHD on North Bayou Street.

Here's what to bring when coming in for school immunization and an Immunization Certificate: Parent's or caregiver's photo ID; Child's social security number; Child's immunization record; Insurance card.