The link between good health and readiness to learn means the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the Iowa Department of Education serve as critical partners in preparing students to do their best in school.
Iowa law requires all students entering kindergarten, third and ninth grades to show proof of immunization against certain diseases. This is for the well-being of individual students and for the school system as a whole.
Most health insurance pays for these required immunizations. If your children are uninsured, contact the Dallas County Health Department for help in getting your children’s needed shots before the school year starts.
Other health requirements for school include:
- Kindergarten – dental, vision and lead poisoning screenings.
- Third grade – vision screening no earlier than one year before starting third grade and no later than six months after the school year begins.
- Ninth grade – dental screening no earlier than one year before starting ninth grade and later than six months after the school year begins.
This school year, please consider having your student immunized against coronavirus.
Vaccination protects not only your child but the greater community, including your child’s grandparents. Many grandparents missed school activities last year. Help include them by having your children vaccinated.
For more information, contact Dallas County Health at 515-993-3750 or phn@dallascountyiowa.gov.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
