Back to School and Up to Date: August Is National Immunization Awareness Month

As summer winds down and families prepare for a new school year, August is a key time to focus on your child’s health. It’s National Immunization Awareness Month—and a perfect reminder to make sure your child is up to date on back to school vaccines.

Whether you’re in Des Moines, Ames, or Marshalltown, Primary Health Care offers affordable and accessible school immunizations for kids and teens across Central Iowa.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines help protect us from serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, flu, and meningitis. When more people are vaccinated, it lowers the chances of spreading these diseases—especially in schools, where germs spread fast.

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us just how vital vaccines are to public health. But now, with routines returning to normal, it’s easy to overlook the basics. Routine immunizations for children and adults dropped during the pandemic, and it’s more important than ever to get back on track.

What to Know Before School Starts

Vaccines protect children from serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, meningitis, and more. They also help keep schools and communities safe by preventing outbreaks.

In Iowa, schools require proof of vaccination for enrollment. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families missed routine shots—and now is the time to catch up.

Vaccines Required for School in Iowa

Here’s a quick look at the Iowa vaccine schedule for school enrollment:

• Preschool & Kindergarten: DTaP, Polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B
• 7th Grade: Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), Meningococcal
• 12th Grade: Second dose of Meningococcal (if first given before age 16)
• All Ages: Annual flu shots and COVID-19 boosters are also recommended

Need help figuring out what your child needs? Our care team can walk you through Iowa’s school vaccine requirements and get you scheduled. Check the CDC’s recommended schedules here »

We’re Here to Help

Primary Health Care provides school vaccines in Des Moines, Ames, and Marshalltown. We welcome all families—whether you’re privately insured, on Medicaid, or uninsured. We offer a sliding fee scale to make care affordable for everyone.

If you’re searching for:

• “Where to get school shots in Des Moines”
• “Back to school immunizations near me”
• “Childhood immunizations in Iowa”

…you’re in the right place!

Make your child’s back-to-school checkup appointment today—and ask about getting caught up on missed vaccines. Appointments are available now at our clinics.  Find the PHC clinic near you.