The Dallas County Health Department opened it's doors to long lines at 8 a.m. Monday. By noon, 200 people had already been vaccinated, but for those who waited until the last minute the process is just as painful as the shot.
As of Monday afternoon, the Dallas health department estimates 10,000 Dallas County children still need their vaccines before returning to school on Aug. 23. Tarrant County does not provide estimates of unvaccinated children within the county.
Malica Bohanon and her daughter waited in line for 45 minutes before ever making it to a waiting room.
"I was like, 'Wow, there’s so many people,'" says Malica. "I just thought I was going to come in and out and get her shots, but instead it took most of the morning."
Last year, students were allowed in schools without their shots because of changes to immunization rules and a statewide vaccination shortage. This year, the state has issued a zero tolerance policy and the districts like DISD said they will act on it.
"If indeed they are past due on their immunizations, in other words, they need them, then we will be requiring them to go and get them," said Suzanne Kubelka, Director of Health Services with DISD.
"They've sent letters out, they've done reminder calls," said Zachary Thompson, Director, Dallas County Health and Human Services of the district. "The plan has worked like it was supposed to. Now the responsibility is on the parents."
