Welcome to Marion County Public Health
Contact us if you have any questions or need additional information about our services.
Location
2003 N Lincoln St
Box 152
Knoxville, Iowa 50138
Contact Us
Call Us
Fax Us
Hours
24/7 Emergency Public Health Contact
Linsey Spoelstra, Director
(641) 891-4068
Measles
Marion County Public Health is providing the MMR vaccine, free of charge, for all individuals regardless of insurance status.
In 2025, more than 1,000 cases have been confirmed nationwide, including 3 cases in Iowa. If you or your child are not up to date on your vaccinations, now is the time to get protected.
To prevent measles, children should receive their first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at age one, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. If following an alternate schedule, the second dose must be given at least 28 days after the first dose. Adults are
considered up to date if they:
• were vaccinated after 1989 and have two doses of MMR or MMRV
• were born before 1957 (Since measles was widespread then, most people were naturally exposed and are assumed immune).
Individuals vaccinated between 1957-1989, especially healthcare workers, college students, and those planning to travel internationally, should check with their medical provider to see if an additional dose is needed. During this time frame, some people may have only received one dose or were vaccinated with a less effective version of the vaccine.
Measles spreads easily – an infected person can pass it to others before they even know they’re sick. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. If you’re unvaccinated, there’s a 90% chance you’ll get infected. Measles can cause serious health problems, like lung infections (pneumonia), brain damage, and pregnancy complications. In the U.S., about one in five unvaccinated people with measles need hospitalization, and 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 infected children die from complications. Getting vaccinated is the best way to stay safe.
People who are unsure about their vaccination status are encouraged to check with their medical provider. If they do not have a medical provider, they can contact their local public health department.
By getting vaccinated, you protect yourself, your family, and your community from measles outbreaks.
Linked below are dashboards from Iowa HHS and the CDC where reported measles cases will be updated weekly.
Spotlight on Health
Our Vision
Provide health guidance and enforcement for our citizens to have the opportunity to make informed choices regarding their health and wellness, strive for a clean and safe environment, and the assistance to access needed health related services.
Our Mission
Marion County Public Health Department Prevents Disease through Health Promotion and Protection using Assessment, Policy Development and Assurance.
Core Values
- Collaboration
- Competence
- Integrity
- Respect
- Stewardship
- Strength Based Approach
- Trust
- Invested in Education
Our Programs
Care for Yourself
The Care for Yourself program helps eligible women receive: an annual office visit, Mammogram, Pap test, and blood pressure screenings. CFY also pays for some Breast and Cervical diagnostic services.
Communicable Disease Follow-Up
Provides disease investigation and follow-up for communicable diseases reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health by local health providers.
Community Education
Marion County Public Health Department offers a variety of health related educational topics that are available to groups throughout the county.
Emergency Response
The Marion County Emergency Response Coalition (MCERC) is the local healthcare coalition for Marion County. The Marion County Emergency Response Coalition is part of a larger service area, including: Appanoose, Clarke, Davis, Decatur, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Ringgold, Union, and Wayne counties.
Environmental Health
Promote, protect and ensure the health of Marion County through environmental protection. Focus areas of Environmental Health include: septic system installation, maintenance, and repair permits and inspections, septic haulers inspections, water wells, well plugging, public pool and spa inspections, tattoo inspections, animal control/rabies follow up and nuisance complaints.
Foot Care Clinics
Foot care clinics are held in Knoxville, Melcher, Pella, and Pleasantville. Foot care clinics are designed to help provide routine foot care to individuals who are having difficulty providing that care for themselves.
General Assistance
General Assistance is available through the Marion County Public Health Department to families and individuals who are poor or in need.
Immunizations
We offer immunizations to those ages 2 months through 18 years. If your child has Medicaid, no insurance, is an American Indian or Alaskan Native, they are eligible to receive their vaccinations at no cost. We also offer a few adult immunizations, but currently do not bill insurance companies, so you will have to pay out of pocket for those vaccinations. Call for more information!
Public Health Nursing
Public Health Nurses work in the community to provide services that are not available to our residents anywhere else.
Senior Nutrition
Helping older adults meet their daily nutritional needs by delivering fully-prepared, refrigerated meals directly to their home.
Tobacco Free Coalition
Education and awareness of tobacco related health disparities and the benefits of living tobacco free.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Information about Latent and Active Tuberculosis (TB) and where to get a skin test.
Vaccines can prevent infectious diseases that once killed or harmed many infants, children, and adults. Vaccination is a highly effective, safe and easy way to help keep your family healthy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome!
Marion County Public Health (Knoxville, Iowa) would like to welcome you to our website! We hope the information we have provided is beneficial and will help you find the answers to your questions.
Contact us if you have questions or need additional information.
Childhood and Adult Immunizations
Knoxville (MCPHD, 2003 N. Lincoln St.)
By Appointment ONLY
Call our office at 641-828-2238 to schedule an appointment for immunizations. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
More information available on our Immunization page.
Personal Preparedness
For information on how to develop a Family Emergency Plan, an Emergency Kit, and other useful tips see the following websites: