Iowa

In Iowa, a comprehensive immunization schedule is recommended to protect pregnant women, infants, and children from various vaccine-preventable diseases. Below is an overview of the key vaccinations:

Vaccinations for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are advised to receive specific vaccines to safeguard their health and that of their unborn children:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Recommended during any trimester to protect against seasonal flu, which can cause severe illness in pregnant women.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: Administered during the third trimester (between 27 and 36 weeks) to protect newborns from pertussis (whooping cough).
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine: A newly approved vaccine is now recommended for pregnant women in their third trimester (between 32 and 36 weeks) to protect infants from RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Recommended for pregnant women to prevent severe illness associated with COVID-19.

Vaccinations for Infants and Children

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services follows the immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key vaccinations include:

• Hepatitis B (HepB) (at birth)
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) (at 2, 4, and 6 months, and booster dose at 4–6 Years)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (at 2, 4, 12–15 Months).
• Polio (IPV) (at 2,4, 6, and months, and booster dose at 4–6 Years)
• Pneumococcal Conjugate (at 2, 4, 6, 12–15 Months)
• Rotavirus (RV) (at 2, 4, 6, months)
• Influenza (at 6 months)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) (12–15 Months, and booster dose at 4–6 Years).
• Varicella (Chickenpox) (12–15 Months, and booster dose at 4–6 Years)
• Hepatitis A (HepA) (12–15 Months)
• Meningococcal (MenACWY) (11–12 years, and 16 years).
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): (Two-dose series at 11–12 Years).
• Tdap: Booster dose.

Where to get vaccinated or vaccination support

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Immunization Program

The Iowa HHS provides comprehensive information on immunization schedules, requirements, and resources for both children and adults. They also oversee programs like Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA), which offer vaccines at no cost to eligible individuals.

Iowa Immunization Registry Information System (IRIS)

IRIS is a statewide system that maintains immunization records for individuals. Healthcare providers and public health agencies use IRIS to keep track of vaccinations, ensuring that immunization records are up-to-date and accessible.

Contact Information

IRIS Help Desk
1-800-374-3958
1-800-831-6292

Local Public Health Departments

Many county health departments in Iowa offer immunization clinics. For example

Des Moines County Public Health: Offers walk-in immunization clinics and appointments for both children and adults.
Dallas County Public Health: Provides immunization clinics every other Monday in Adel. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 515-993-3750.
Jefferson County Public Health: Offers immunization clinics on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Healthcare Providers and Clinics

Many healthcare providers offer vaccination services.

Pharmacies: Many pharmacies in Iowa provide immunization services. The Iowa Pharmacy Association offers resources to help pharmacies participate in immunization programs, ensuring vaccines are accessible to the community.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinics: For those needing yellow fever vaccination, the CDC provides a list of authorized clinics in Iowa.

For detailed immunization schedules and specific requirements, refer to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services' immunization page.