Monthly Health Articles Archive

Immunizations, lead tests and other rules for school

The summer is winding down and school is soon to be back in session.  Preparation for school involves more than taking the kids school shopping and finding out who will be teaching in their classroom this fall.  

Students entering the school system for the first time have several things that they must provide regarding their health and wellness. Students must have a certificate of immunization to present to school staff prior to school entry.  Verify that your child’s immunizations are up-to-date.  For kindergarteners, this includes boosters received anytime after four years of age, for a minimum of four Dtap, three polio, two MMR (mumps, measles and rubella), three hepatitis B and varicella vaccine (chicken pox vaccine) or a history of the child having chicken pox. Preschoolers, licensed day care and transfer students also need a certificate of immunization.

Kindergartners also must have a prior lead test.  One test– taken at any age – is adequate.  Many children are screened for lead at approximately 12 months of age at their well baby checkup or at WIC visits.  Community Health provides lead screening tests and can assist if your child has not had a lead test in the past. 

A dental screening is a new requirement for kindergarten and ninth grade students.  A standard dental form must be used, and can be picked up at the school your child attends or KRHC Community Health.  You can also access the form online at:  http://www.idph.state.ia.us/hpcdp/oral_health_school_screening.asp. Just click on the link to the dental form.

Students planning to participate in school athletics are required to have a physical.  This physical must be current before students can begin practice for any sport. This is also a good time to get adolescent vaccinations if they are not current. Adolescent vaccinations includes a tdap, meningococcal (menactra), second dose of Varicella (unless had the disease of chickenpox, and for females the HPV, human papilloma virus vaccine, (Gardasil). Students not out for sports needs these same vaccinations and should check with their provider or Community Health about getting these vaccinations.

If you have questions about what you child needs to do before entering school this year, please contact the school your child plans to attend or KRHC Community Health at 515-295-4430.

-Carol Gress is a school nurse with KRHC Community Health