RHS alerts parents to change in immunization law for teens

CRESCO - Regional Health Services of Howard County alerts parents to make sure they get their teenagers vaccinated in compliance with a change to Iowa’s immunization law.

Beginning for the 2017-18 school year, and for all future school years, all students entering, advancing or transferring into seventh grade and born after Sept. 15, 2004 need proof of one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY).

All students entering, advancing or transferring into 12th grade and born after Sept. 15, 1999 will need proof of two doses of meningococcal (A,C,Y) vaccine, or one dose if received when the student was 15 years of age or older.

Jon Kammerer, MD of Cresco Medical Clinic said, “if you are going into the seventh grade, you must have the vaccine before the first day of school. If you are going into 12th grade and have already had one vaccine, then there is a 60-day grace period, but you need to get the vaccination before the first day of school. It would behoove everyone to call the clinic and verify their vaccination status.”

Dr. Kammerer said the meningitis vaccine had been a longstanding recommendation, but that this marks the first year it is mandatory.

“It’s commonly been a vaccination mandate for college, but now it’s being mandated for middle school and high school,” he said.

In a letter to parents Regional Health Services shared with the Cresco Times Plain Dealer: 

‘Meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that can affect the brain, blood and spinal cord. Meningococcal bacteria can spread from person to person through close contact (coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact, especially among people living in the same household or dormitories. It is estimated that about 10-15 percent of those infected die even with appropriate treatment. Of those who recover, up to 20 percent suffer from serious after-effects, such as permanent hearing loss, limb loss, or brain damage. The disease often occurs without warning, even among people who are otherwise healthy.

‘Meningococcal vaccines are very safe and 85-100 percent effective at preventing infection from the subtypes of meningococcus found in the vaccine. Local public health agencies and school nurses will be reviewing immunization records for compliance.’

Vice President of Clinic and Ancillary Services Katie Thompson said parents may schedule their vaccination during a well-child check, or if they have already had the well-child check, they are welcome to set up another appointment to receive the vaccination.

“Contact your local clinic if you have any questions about your vaccination record.  If anyone has concerns about paying for vaccines, we do participate in the vaccines for children program, where we help patients with financial constraints help get vaccines paid for,” she said.

To schedule an appointment, call the Cresco Clinic at: 563-547-2022 or the Lime Springs Clinic at: 563-566-2243.