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Immunizations
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Iowa law requires all students present a valid immunization record before they can enroll in school. Proof of immunizations must include submission of one of the following immunization records:
- Iowa HHS completed immunization record,
- Iowa HHS religious exemption record or
- Iowa HHS medical exemption record signed by a prescribing doctor specifying that the immunizations required would be injurious to the student or to any household member.
- Please note: Exemptions do not apply when the Iowa Council of Health and Human Services has determined and the Director of Iowa Health and Human Services has declared an emergency or epidemic exists.
Immunization forms are available in your school office, on their website, at the County Health Department, or through your child’s health care provider.
The Catholic Church has no religious objections to vaccinations and sees their use as a way to promote the common good and protect the vulnerable. However, the Catholic Church also upholds an individual's right to refuse a vaccine based on a sincerely held, properly formed moral conscience. This stance is nuanced, balancing the duty to the community's health with respect for personal decision-making, particularly concerning ethical objections related to vaccines developed using abortion-derived cell lines.
If further information is needed on the issue of our Catholic faith and immunizations, your pastor is a great resource to understand Catholic teaching on this topic.
- Iowa Immunization Law
- Iowa Immunization Medical Exemption Form
- Iowa Religious Certificate of Immunization Exemption
Additional immunization information:
7th grade Iowa Immunization Law
MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE
Iowa law requires all 7th-grade students to receive a meningococcal vaccine, which helps protect against meningitis—a serious bacterial infection of the brain, blood, and spinal cord.
According to state law, there is no grace period for this requirement. Students who do not have documentation of the vaccine, or a valid Iowa HHS medical or religious exemption, will not be allowed to attend school until proper documentation is submitted.
TDAP VACCINE
You can check your child’s immunization record or contact their healthcare provider to confirm whether they have received the Tdap booster and meningitis vaccine. If they have not, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Contact the County Public Health for additional information.
Be sure to submit an updated Certificate of Immunization showing proof that the required vaccines were given, or provide a valid Iowa HHS medical or religious exemption form.
12th Grade Iowa Immunization Law
MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE
Students entering 12th grade will need proof of two doses of meningococcal (A, C W, Y) vaccine; or 1 dose if received when the student was 16 years of age or older. According to state law, no grace period will be granted for students who have not received at least one dose of the vaccine or have not submitted a valid Iowa HHS medical or religious exemption form.
Your student may have already received this vaccine during their regular physical exam. If you feel they have had this vaccine, please bring the valid, signed certificate of immunization documenting your student has had the vaccine to the school nurse.
You can contact your health care provider's office or the county health department for more information.