Allamakee Public Health Reminds Parents About Back-to-School Health Requirements

With the new school year fast approaching, Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care/Allamakee County Public Health and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) encourage parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date on immunizations by scheduling a visit with their healthcare providers as soon as possible. Keeping up with these routine vaccinations is a simple yet crucial step in protecting children from preventable diseases — helping them stay healthy — in school and ready to learn.

“Back-to-school season is a busy time for families, so we urge parents to schedule wellness visits early to take care of required physicals and vaccinations,” said Sheryl Darling-Mooney, Public Health Supervisor.  “Diseases like measles, chickenpox and whooping cough are still a threat and can lead to serious health problems. By staying current on vaccines, families help protect their children’s health and contribute to a safer school environment for everyone.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers recommended vaccination schedules designed to provide the best protection by balancing when a child is most likely to be exposed to a disease with when a vaccine will be most effective. All vaccines undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they are safe and effective at the recommended ages.

Iowa School Immunization Requirements

Iowa requires all children attending licensed childcare centers, as well as elementary, middle and high schools — including those who are home-schooled — to receive immunizations for:

• Ages 4-6:
  • Chickenpox (varicella vaccine)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Measles, mumps and rubella
  • Polio
• Ages 11-12, before starting seventh grade:
  • Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Meningococcal (A, C, W and Y serogroups)
• Ages 16-18, before twelfth grade:
  • Meningococcal (A, C, W and Y serogroups)

The CDC also recommends the influenza (flu) vaccine for all age groups, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for ages 11-12 and the meningococcal (B serogroup) for ages 16-18. Students planning to attend college or other postsecondary programs should check their institution for specific vaccination requirements.

“It’s never too late to get back on track with vaccinations. If your child has missed any recommended vaccines, your healthcare provider can help them catch up safely and effectively,” said Sheryl Darling-Mooney. “Staying up to date not only protects your child and family from serious illnesses but also helps prevent the spread of disease in schools and communities.”

Documentation of a valid Certificate of Immunization Exemption (Religious or Medical) or Provisional Certificate of Immunization may be submitted in lieu of a Certificate of Immunization. Requirements for valid exemptions may be found in Iowa Code 139A.8 and Iowa Administrative Code 641-7. 

For more information about immunizations and requirements in Iowa, visit the Iowa HHS website or call Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care at 563-568-5660.