Immunizations and Health Screenings

Immunizations and Health Screenings

Along with the online registration application and other required forms for enrollment; health documentation also must be provided.

Immunizations

Iowa law requires a parent to verify proper immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and varicella to enroll in school.  At least one dose of each immunization must be given before starting school.  An immunization or exemption certificate must be on file with the school nurse by the time the student starts school as this is required by state law.   

Please review the immunization requirements per the Iowa Department of Public Health as the State of Iowa has passed some new requirements in recent years.  The state of Iowa requires students entering 7th grade to have both a Tdap vaccine and a meningitis vaccine.  For those students entering 12th grade, you will need to show proof of two doses of the meningitis vaccine.  The meningitis vaccine must be received before the first day of 7th or 12th grade and an updated immunization record must be to the school nurse before the first day of school.

If you have specific questions or need more information on immunizations or any of the health screenings, please talk to your medical care provider or school nurse.  Your health care provider should be able to provide you with the appropriate immunization certificate however if you need a blank certificate of immunization or exemption form, please click HERE.

Health Screenings

Dental Screening

Required by Iowa law, dental screenings are to be completed for all students entering kindergarten and ninth grade.  Students entering kindergarten must have had a screening completed no sooner than 3 years of age and no later than four months after school enrollment.  It can be completed by a licensed doctor, advanced registered nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse, dental hygienist, or dentist.  Students entering ninth grade must have proof of a dental screening by a dentist or dental hygienist completed no earlier than one year prior to enrollment and no later than four months after enrollment.  The results of this screening need to be submitted to your school nurse on the designated dental screening form which can be located on the Iowa Department of Public Health‘s website.  One may also locate a dental screen exemption on the same site.  Dental Screening (PDF)

Vision Screening

The State of Iowa requires all incoming kindergarten and third-grade students to have a vision screening prior to the first day of school.  This exam can be completed by a licensed eye doctor or optometrist, your child’s health care provider at the time of his or her school physical, a free clinic, KidSight, or a county health department. A screening will be valid if it is done up to 1 year prior to enrollment and no later than 6 months after enrollment.  The results of this screening need to be submitted to your school nurse on the designated vision screening form which can be located on the Iowa Department of Public Health‘s website. Vision Screening (PDF)