Immunizations

Vaccines can prevent infectious diseases that once killed or harmed many infants, children, and adults. Vaccination is a highly effective, safe and easy way to help keep your family healthy.

Immunization Recommendations & Schedules

Iowa Immunization Requirements

Child, Adolescent and Adult Immunizations

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. This helps ensure that all children have a better chance of getting their recommended/required vaccinations on schedule. These vaccines protect babies, children, and adolescents from 16 diseases.

If your child has Medicaid (Title XIX) insurance, no health insurance, under-insured, or are Alaskan Native/ American Indian, they qualify to receive vaccines under the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program at no cost, however, donations are appreciated.

Newborn/Childhood Immunizations

Public Health officials in Iowa recommend the newborn/childhood immunization schedule. The following vaccinations are for newborns/children ages 2 months through age 6.

Adolescent Immunizations

Adolescents need to continue their immunization series and receive booster doses of vaccines for ongoing protection (immunity) against diseases. The following vaccines are for those ages 7–18 years.

Adolescents need the following immunizations:

Meningococcal Vaccine—to protect them from meningococcal disease, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2–18 years. Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings. Meningococcal disease can also cause blood infections.
Meningococcal (MenACWY)—This vaccine is required for all incoming 7th and 12th graders before beginning the school year. All 11–12 year olds should be vaccinated with a single dose of a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). A booster shot is required at age 16.
Meningococcal B (MenB)—Teens, 16–18 years old, may be vaccinated with a MenB vaccine.
Tdap vaccine—to protect your child from Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis, the Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults from these three serious diseases. This vaccine is a requirement for all seventh graders to receive before starting school.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—(Gardasil) is for both females and males between the ages of 9 and 26. HPV infection is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection in the U.S. It can cause cervical cancer and other diseases in females as well as males (anal cancer, genital warts, etc.). It can be prevented by having the Gardasil vaccine.
Flu Vaccine
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Hepatitis A

Adult Immunizations

You may not realize that you need vaccines throughout your life. Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available.

We currently offer the following adult vaccinations/skin tests:

*Prices are not listed. Please call for more information.

International Travel

If you are planning on traveling outside of the country, visit Polk County Public Health for more information.

Public Health

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