The Iowa Department of Public Health has made changes to the Iowa Immunization Law for the start of the 2017-2018 school year. This change requires that all students entering 7th grade to have the Meningococcal vaccine before school starts this fall.
Meningococcal disease is a life threatening illness that is caused by bacteria that infects the brain, blood, and spinal cord. It easily spreads in crowded settings and typically affects older teens and young adults.
All students entering 7th grade must have proof of having the Meningococcal vaccine before school starts in August unless the student has a Certificate of Immunization Exemption. There will no NO grace/extension period for the implementation of this requirement.
Now is a great time for your child to receive these immunization requirements for you incoming 12th grader. You can take you student to their primary health practitioner, or to the immunization clinic provided by Wapello County Public Health on the second Tuesday of every month. This free clinic is on a first come first serve basis from 3 to 5 p.m. each month. Their number is 641-682-5434.
