A new school year is fast approaching and now is the
time to review your child’s immunization record to be sure their vaccinations
are up-to-date. It is especially important
for children entering kindergarten, 7th grade, and college. Students continuing on to post-secondary education
need to check with their college or institution to see what vaccinations are
required or recommended.
The Iowa school immunization law requires parents to
vaccinate their children against diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
(whooping cough), measles, rubella, polio, hepatitis B and chickenpox as a
condition of entry into kindergarten. Booster immunizations can be given any time
after a child’s fourth birthday.
Beginning with the the 2013-2014 school year, Iowa
now requires a one-time booster dose of
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) for students in grades 7 and above,
if born on or after September 15, 2000.
In addition, there are adolescent vaccines available to help protect
against meningitis, HPV, Hepatitis A, and chickenpox.
Horn Public Health will hold extended Vaccine for
Children (VFC) clinics in August. The
clinics will be Tuesday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 13 from 9:00 a.m. to
noon and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. To be
eligible for VFC clinics, a child must meet one of the eligibility
requirements: is enrolled in Medicaid, does not have health insurance, is
American Indian or Alaskan Native, or is underinsured (has health insurance
that does not pay for vaccinations). Public Health is located in the upper
level of the Medical Arts Building at 700 East 2nd Street in Ida
Grove. Parents can call 712-364-7311 with
questions.
As a reminder, it is important to
maintain immunization records in a safe place. Proof of immunizations may be
necessary throughout life.
