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.
Horn Public Health will hold extended Vaccine for Children
(VFC) clinics in August. The clinics
will be Tuesday, August 9 and Wednesday, August 10 from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 2:00
p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. 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. Please bring your
child’s new Medicaid/MCO cards. Parents can call 712-364-7311 with questions.
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 2013-2014 school year, Iowa
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.
As a reminder, it is important to
maintain immunization records in a safe place. Proof of immunizations may be
necessary throughout life.
