Local

Big Shot Saturdays scheduled to get children up to date on vaccines

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Mecklenburg County Health Department is trying to make it easier for parents to get their children up to date on vaccines required for attending public schools.

Students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools must have the required immunizations by Sept. 25 or they will not be allowed to attend class. About 23,000 rising kindergartners and sixth-graders are required to have certain vaccines.

The Health Department and the Junior League of Charlotte are teaming up to host Big Shot Saturdays. Fees may apply for certain vaccines.

All Big Shot events are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first will be Saturday at the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 249 Billingsley Road. There will be a second event Sept. 14, also at the Health Department.

The third Big Shot event will be Sept. 21 at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology on Alleghany Street. The last one will be Sept. 28 at the Health Department's location on Beatties Ford Road.

Parents are asked to bring their child's official shot records and at least one form of identification. The first 100 children will be given vaccines on a first-come, first-served basis, with school-age children given priority.

Parents can always make an appointment for vaccinations by calling the Health Department appointment line at 704-336-6500.