New Vaccination Rules For Incoming 7th And 12th Grade Students In Iowa

If you have a child entering the 7th or 12th grade this fall, you might want to listen up. The state of Iowa has new vaccination rules for students entering those grade levels and they caught my family by surprise. My son Chase is entering the 7th grade this fall and thankfully a family member brought these new guidelines to our attention.

If you have a student entering the 7th grade this fall, they will need 1 dose of the meningococcal vaccine received on or after the age of 10. They'll require a booster when they turn 16. 7th graders will also require proof of receiving the TDap vaccine. The tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccinations has been required since 2013. If students don't have proof of vaccinations they will not be allowed to attend classes.

If you have a student entering the 12th grade this fall, they must have 2 doses of meningococcal vaccine, one of them when the student was 16 years old or older.

If you are unsure of your child's vaccine history, you are urged to contact your family doctor immediately. Proof of vaccination can be dropped off at the child's school anytime before the start of classes this fall.

[via CR.k12.ia.us]