The Gazebo Gazette

MISSISSIPPI (GG) — Several County Health Departments (CHD) are holding special walk-in immunization clinics for school registration this summer.

The walk-in clinics are for incoming kindergarten and 7th grade students, both of whom have required vaccinations before starting school in the fall. Parents must provide the school with a Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121) prior to school entry. College students can also receive vaccinations during the clinics.
Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on designated days. For a complete list of CHDs holding walk-in clinics and the dates, visithttps://msdh.ms.gov/ready4school
There is a $10 administration fee per shot if a child does not have insurance; the cost is $20 for college students.
Additional nursing staff will be available during the clinics so that parents can complete the process quickly and efficiently. Parents should bring a copy of their child’s immunization record. Form 121 can be obtained from your child’s immunization provider, but the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) now offers a convenient way to check your child’s immunizations record online.
MyIR Mobile is an online portal that gives users access to their official state immunization records; it allows users to not only see their own immunization records, but to also add family members to their profiles to see if their child is up to date or needs their next vaccination. If none are needed, a certified Form 121 can be downloaded or printed. Only immunization records of Mississippi residents are accessible through the portal, which is available at www.MyIRMobile.com.
The list of walk-in clinics, forms and MyIR Mobile are also available through the MSDH Healthy App.
You may check with your physician or CHD if you have questions about which immunizations your child needs. Childhood vaccinations are available at any CHD by appointment. If your child is not up to date on vaccinations, call (855) 767-0170 to schedule an appointment. If you would like to request a medical or religious exemption, please review our process at msdh.ms.gov/exemptions.
For more information on immunization requirements, visit www.msdh.ms.gov/immunizations.
Additionally, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is advising residents to protect themselves and loved ones by following Summer Safety tips that encompass everything from hydration to bugs to sunscreen, and everything in between.
  • Protect yourself from heat stroke by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. Body temperature can rise to 106 degrees within 10 minutes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1,220 people in the United States die from extreme heat annually.
  • Avoid mosquito-borne illnesses by using a repellent such as DEET, covering your arms and legs when outside, staying away from mosquito-prone areas in the mornings and evenings, and removing sources of standing water around your home.
  • Wear sunscreen rated SPF-15 or higher with UVA and UVB protection. Serious sunburns can double the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Unprotected skin can be harmed by UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. When in the sun, cover up with loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brim hat, and seek shade during midday hours.
  • Stay safe around water by following these tips: Never swim alone, constantly watch children, learn CPR, avoid drinking alcohol, install a fence around pools and remove toys. You should also know your local weather conditions and forecasts.
  • Keep foods chilled when outside to reduce foodborne illnesses. Don’t let foods sit out for more than two hours (one hour if temp is higher than 90 degrees).
  • Never leave babies or toddlers in hot cars.
  • Check on older, vulnerable adults.
For more Summer Safety tips, click https://msdh.ms.gov/summer
Get up-to-date news and updates at www.msdh.ms.gov.  and on social media: facebook.com/HealthyMS, twitter.com/msdh andInstagram.com/healthy.ms