Immunizations have had an enormous impact on disease prevention and improving the health of children and teens in the United States. Most families today have never experienced first- hand, the devastating effects of vaccine preventable disease, but they still persist around the world.
The Iowa Department of Public Health and Bureau of Immunization issued a new rule in 2017 requiring all incoming 7th and 12th grade students be immunized for meningococcal disease. One dose of Meningococcal conjugate (A,C,W,Y) is now required for all students entering 7th grade. Two doses are required for 12th grade or 1 dose given at 16 years of age.
Students who are not adequately immunized for meningococcal disease may not enter 7th or 12th grade without documented proof of immunization or a medical or religious waiver prior to the first day of school.
The mission of the Immunization Program and the Lewis Central Health Team is to decrease vaccine preventable disease through education, advocacy and partnership. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or use the resource link provided: https://educateiowa.gov/student-health-requirements .
Submitted by Deb Blodgett, District RN