The State of Iowa has certain immunization requirements for students entering 7th and 12th grades. Des Moines Public Schools recommends making a vaccination appointment with a physician or clinic as soon as possible to avoid long wait times. Students without the Meningococcal vaccination, or a waiver, will be sent home on the first day of school.

This is a state requirement, and not under the district’s control.

Each of our local healthcare systems have safety precautions and guidelines in place for well child exams. Ask your provider for more information. Families should emphasize that the need for their appointment is for routine vaccinations, and that their child may be in danger of being excluded from school. In order to attend school or licensed childcare for the 2022-23 school year, the child needs a valid Iowa Department of Public Health-Certificate of Immunization, Provisional Certificate of Immunization, or Certificate of Immunization Exemption. (NOTE: a provisional certificate for the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (A,C,W,Y) is only applicable for the incoming 12th graders and NOT 7th graders.)

Seventh Grade

Meningococcal Secondary School Vaccination Requirement: Students entering 7th grade born on or after September 15, 2006 shall have one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (A,C,W,Y). There is no provisional period to implement this requirement, meaning students without it will be sent home on the first day of school. This is a state requirement.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination Requirement: Students entering 7th grade and above if born on or after September 15, 2006, shall have a one-time dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.

Twelfth Grade

Meningococcal Secondary School Vaccination Requirement: Students entering 12th grade born on or after September 15, 2001 shall have two doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (A,C,W,Y); or 1 dose if  one dose was previously received when the student was sixteen years of age or older.  There is no provisional period to implement this requirement, meaning students will be sent home on the first day of school. This is a state requirement.

Meningococcal disease is very serious. Approximately 10-15% of people with meningococcal disease die even with appropriate treatment. Of those who recover, up to 20% suffer from serious after-effects, such as permanent hearing loss, limb loss, or brain damage. Meningococcal vaccines are very safe and are 85-100% effective at preventing infection. The meningococcal vaccine requirement will help keep students, friends, families and communities safe.

*This information is provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Polk County Health Department.