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, 12th grade and college.
Horn
Public Health will hold extended Vaccine for Children (VFC) clinics in
August. The clinics will be Tuesday,
August 8 and Wednesday, August 9 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. Please bring your
child’s 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.
Beginning
with the 2017-2018 school year, Iowa requires meningococcal (A, C, W, Y) vaccine for students enrolling in 7th
and 12th grades. The change requires a one-time dose of
meningococcal (A, C, W,
Y) vaccine received on or after 10 years of
age for applicants in grades 7 and above, if born after September 15, 2004; and
2 doses of meningococcal (A, C, W,
Y) vaccines for applicants in grade 12, if
born after September 15, 1999; or 1 dose if received when applicants are 16
years of age or older.
Students continuing on to post-secondary education
need to check with their college or institution to see what vaccinations are
required or recommended.
As a reminder, it is important to
maintain immunization records in a safe place. Proof of immunizations may be
necessary throughout life.
