Back to School Immunizations
Assure students are ready to learn when school starts this fall. It's easier to learn when we are feeling well. Keep preventable illnesses out of the schools. Schedule an appointment to get any required vaccines before the school year begins!
 Why are vaccines needed?
School vaccination requirements are in place to help keep our children, as well as their teachers and school staff, healthy throughout the school year. When we reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable illness, we reduce the number of days when children are out of the classroom at home sick, or in the classroom not feeling or performing well. Healthy students learn better.
What vaccines are needed?
For entry into a K-12 School in Iowa, the following vaccinations are required (Iowa Code 139a.8(6)):
Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis: 5 doses with at least one dose on or after 4 years of age AND 1 dose for students entering 7th grade.
Polio: 4 doses with at least one dose on or after 4 years of age
Measles/Rubella: 2 doses, the first on or after 12 months of age; the second no less than 28 days later
Hepatitis B: 3 doses
Varicella: 2 doses received on or after 12 months of age, or reliable history of natural disease
Meningococcal (A,C,W,Y): 2 doses; the first on or after 10 years of age for entry into 7th grade; the second prior to entry into 12th grade.
Additional recommended (but not required) vaccines include HPV, Hepatitis A, Meningococcal B, influenza, and COVID-19.
Children entering a licensed child care center are also required to have valid immunization certificates. View Child Care Center Requirements
What happens when vaccines are not up-to-date?
It is the responsibility of the school district to ensure a valid certificate is on file for each student in their school (Iowa Administrative Code IAC641-7.8(1)). Without a valid certificate, it is the duty of the school to deny enrollment.
Students may receive a 60 day provisional certificate if they have received at least one dose of each of the required vaccines or they are a transfer student from out of state. Students are allowed to attend school and participate in school activities with a provisional certificate.
Where can we get needed vaccines?
Routine childhood vaccines are available at your family practice or pediatrician's office.
Many clinics participate in the Vaccines for Children program to help assure vaccines are affordable. If you are concerned about the cost of vaccines, ask your provider about this program. The vaccines will be free but an administration fee may be charged.
Dallas County Health Department is also a Vaccines for Children provider. No office fee is charged. Clinic is held every other Monday afternoon and an appointment is required.
Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program include those that are 18 years or younger and:
- Are enrolled in Medicaid
- Have health insurance that does not cover vaccines
- Do not have health insurance
- Identify as American Indian or Alaskan Native
What are the School Vaccination Rates in Dallas County?
Dallas County Health Department audits each student's immunization record annually. In the 2023-2024 School Year:
- 92.8% of Dallas County Kindergarteners had a valid certificate of immunization
- 96.8% of Dallas County 7th Graders had a valid certificate of immunization
- 88.9% of Dallas County 12th Graders had a valid certificate of immunization
 School Audit for Vaccine Certificates in Iowa by School Year, By County
Childhood Immunizations Data, by County, by Required Vaccine, By Year
The Monthly Health Promotion message is provided by the Dallas County Health Department for use in newsletters, social media messaging, or other communications.
Any questions can be directed to Abigail Chihak, MSW, MPH.
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