NOTIFICATION OF NEW IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS (7th, 12th Grades)
The Iowa Department of Public Health has made changes to the Iowa immunization law for the start of the 2017/18 school year that effects all 7th and the 12th grade students. This change requires that all students entering either the 7t h or 12th grade 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 7th grade students must also have a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whopping cough) booster before school starts this fall.
The Tdap requirement has been put in place since the 2013/14 school year and requires a booster dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis containing vaccine for students entering 7th grade, regardless of the interval since the last Tetanus/Diphtheria containing vaccine. Pertussis (whopping cough) is a very contagious disease that causes violent coughing fits that make it hard to breathe.
All students entering 12th grade must have proof of having the Meningococcal vaccine before school starts in August, unless the student has a Certificate of immunization exemption.
All students entering 7th grade must have proof of having the Meningococcal and the Tdap vaccines before school starts in August, unless the student has a certificate of
immunization exemption.
There will be no grace/extension period for the implementation of this requirement.
Please contact:
Angie Jess RN BSN
Anamosa High School and Middle School Nurse
Anamosa, Iowa 52205
319-462-3594
Thank you for your time and attention to this requirement.
