Birth Certificate Question [View all]

I've done genealogy research for decades but I've never before bothered to assemble my own personal documentation.

I have a certificate of birth from the hospital in which I was born.
I have a certified birth certificate from the state in which I was born (Missouri).
When I applied for a recent passport, I didn't locate the birth certificate previously issued so I ordered a new one.

Ok, so far so good. But what is a puzzle is a half-page document entitled The United States of America, Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Notification of Birth Registration. It was issued by Jasper County Health Officer,. Special Agent, Bureau of the Census, Webb City Missouri (not the town I was born in).

It appears to be an original document, the stamped signature ink appears to be slightly purple. My personal information (name date, parents, DOB) are typed in and all other text on the document appears to be printed in black ink. At the bottom is a line that identifies the form as "U.S. Government Printing Office: 1944 - O- 601714.

So, my question is, what is this? I've never seen one before in all my years of research. Why would this have been issued? What is the purpose? Since I wasn't born in a census year, why would the Bureau of the Census be involved?

Any hints would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.