Parents want the best for their children and getting vaccinated is important in providing protection from serious and sometimes deadly diseases which can be prevented by childhood immunizations. The summer is a great time to get ahead of the crowd seeking shots before the back-to-school rush to get vaccinations.

Alabama state law requires all children to present an up-to-date Certificate of Immunization (COI) upon entrance to childcare centers and school. When children are not vaccinated, they are at risk of disease and can spread diseases to others in their classrooms and communities.

The East Central District of the Alabama Department of Public Health is holding a series of special clinics to provide all required back-to-school immunizations. Appointments are preferred and encouraged, but are not necessary. In addition to the special clinics where additional staff is present, vaccinations continue to be offered at all county health departments each day. Please bring any and all insurance cards, but ability to pay will not hinder vaccinations.

Locations, dates and times of the vaccination clinics are as follows:

Autauga County Health Department

219 N. Court St., Prattville

Monday, June 27, 1-4 p.m.

Monday, July 11, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Call (334) 361-3743 for more information.

Bullock County Health Department

674 Hicks Industrial Blvd., Union Springs

Monday, June 27, 1-4 p.m.

Monday, July 11, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Call (334) 738-3030 for more information.

Chambers County Health Department

4 Medical Park, Valley

Monday, June 27, 1-4 p.m.

Monday, July 11, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Call (334) 756-0758 for more information.

Elmore County Health Department

6501 US Highway 231, Wetumpka

Friday, July 8, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Friday, July 22, 1-4 p.m.

Call (334) 567-1171 for more information.

Lee County Health Department

1801 Corporate Drive, Opelika

Friday, July 8, 1-4 p.m.

Friday, July 22, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Call (334) 745-5765 for more information.

Lowndes County Health Department

507 E. Tuskeena St., Hayneville

Friday, July 8, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Friday, July 22, 1-4 p.m.

Call (334) 548-2564 for more information.

Macon County Health Department

812 Hospital Road, Tuskegee

Friday, July 8, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Friday, July 22, 1-4 p.m.

Call (334) 727-1800 for more information.

Montgomery County Health Department

3060 Mobile Highway, Montgomery

Monday, June 27, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Monday, July 11, 1-4 p.m.

Call (334) 293-6400 for more information.

Russell County Health Department

1850 Crawford Road, Phenix City

Friday, July 8, 1-4 p.m.

Friday, July 22, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Call (334) 297-0251 for more information.

Tallapoosa County Health Department(both locations)

2078 Sportplex Blvd, Alexander City

Monday, June 27, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Monday, July 11, 1-4 p.m.

Call (256) 329-0531 for more information.

220 W. LaFayette St., Dadeville

Friday, July 8, 1-4 p.m.

Friday, July 22, 9 a.m.-12 noon

Call (256) 825-9203 for more information.

Vaccines protect those who receive them, children too young to be vaccinated, persons with medical conditions preventing vaccination, and people who do not respond to the vaccine.

Parents can learn more about the immunizations children need and view flyers for upcoming clinics back-to school clinics at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/.