Senior vaccination

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian,

The Iowa Department of Public Health made changes to the Iowa Immunization law in 2017. This change
requires that all students entering 7th AND 12th grade have a Meningococcal vaccine before school
starts this fall. Seventh grade students also need a Tdap vaccine. 12th grade students need two
Meningococcal vaccines.
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. The vaccine is required for both 7th and 12th
grade students. All students entering these grades must have proof of the Meningococcal vaccine before
school starts in August, unless the student has a Certificate of Immunization Exemption which can be
found here: https://iris.iowa.gov/docs/Certificate_of_Immunization_Exemption_Medical.pdf or
https://iris.iowa.gov/docs/Certificate_of_Immunization_Exemption_Religious.pdf

There will be no grace/extension period for the implementation of this requirement. Now is a great time
for your child to receive these immunization requirements and beat the back to-school rush. If your child
is not up-to-date with vaccination requirements by the start of the first day of school in the Fall, he/she
will be excluded from school attendance until immunizations are brought up-to-date, in accordance with
the Iowa Immunization laws.
Meningitis and Tdap vaccines can be given at most major pharmacies. You may also call Franklin County
Public Health at 641-456-5820, or Cerro Gordo County Public Health 641-421-9300, to make an
appointment. You may also choose to have this vaccine at your Family Medical Clinic.
Thank you for your time and attention to this requirement.
If you have any questions or need assistance in finding a vaccination, you may call 641 456 4735.
Thank you,

Trisha Ubben, RN, HD-CAL District Nurse