With local students heading back to school on Aug. 11, the Chilton County Health Department is offering back-to-school shots beginning Aug. 6.

Chilton County Health Department Clinic Supervisor Ludean Hicks said the shots are mostly for sixth grade students who need a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster, or for younger children heading to school for the first time.

“We will try to work everyone in,” Hicks said.

Hicks said many younger children going to Head Start or kindergarten must be up to date on their shots.

“I know a lot of the smaller children haven’t had all of their shots, and we will make sure they are up to date,” Hicks said. “The state requires the vaccinations so we will make sure they are up to date with what they need.”

In December 2014, a measles outbreak started in Disneyland in California where six Disneyland employees were among more than 100 cases that later spread to other areas of the United States.

Although there were no cases of measles confirmed in Chilton County in 2015, Hicks said the health department offers vaccines for measles for children ages 12-15 months, and a second dose at age 4-6 years. There are also two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) that are recommended for healthcare personnel, college students and international travelers.

Since 2000, measles was considered to be eradicated in the United States.

“Most children will have already received their MMR, but we have those available as well,” Hicks said.

Alabama law requires children to be up to date on their vaccinations prior to attending childcare and school, based on the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) Schedule.

Although no appointment is necessary to receive the shots available at the Chilton County Health Department, Hicks said she would recommend parents call to set up a time to bring their children.

“We usually have a lot of people show up the day before school starts and the first day of school,” Hicks said. “It is best if people call and set everything up so we can make sure we will have time to see everyone.”

For more information, call (205) 755-1287.

The Chilton County Health Department is located at 301 Health Center Drive in Clanton.