2015-2016 School Year Immunization Recommendations

The new school year is approaching very quickly and for students entering kindergarten and the 7th grade, Iowa law requires certain vaccinations be completed before school begins this fall.  For those entering kindergarten, the Iowa Department of Public Health requires a minimum number of vaccines with boosters after the age of four. For those entering 7th grade, a booster of the Tdap vaccine is required. Colleges also have vaccination requirements for incoming students. Call your college of choice to find out their vaccination requirements.

“Vaccines are among the safest and most cost-effective ways to prevent disease. Protecting your children from preventable diseases will help keep them healthy and in school.  When parents are preparing to send their child off to day care, school, or college, it’s the perfect time to check if he or she is up to date on recommended vaccines,” said Patty Hinrichs, Public Health Manager at Grinnell Regional Public Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend routine vaccinations to prevent 17 vaccine-preventable diseases that occur in infants, children, adolescents, or adults. According to the CDC, a vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if one were exposed to the disease. After being vaccinated, immunity to that disease is developed within the body, without having to get the disease first.

Schools require vaccination documentation prior to the start of the academic year; time is running out to schedule an appointment for immunizations before the 2015-2016 school year begins.

Contact Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385 or your family care provider for more information or to schedule an immunization appointment.