Childhood, Adolescent & Adult Immunizations
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.
Immunization Recommendations & Schedules
Iowa Immunization Requirements
Marion County Public Health offers vaccines to children, adolescents, and adults. We have 2 programs that help pay for vaccines, The Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. There are eligibility guidelines for each of those programs. We also offer a few adults vaccinations for a cost, since we do not bill insurance companies.
VFC Program:
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. This helps ensure that all children have a better chance of getting their recommended/required vaccinations on schedule. These vaccines protect babies, children, and adolescents from 16 diseases.
If your child has Medicaid (Title XIX) insurance, no health insurance, under-insured, or are Alaskan Native/ American Indian, they qualify to receive vaccines under the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program at no cost, however, donations are appreciated. Those with private insurance need to go to their healthcare provider.
VFA Program:
In an effort to increase adult vaccination rates, decrease disparities in immunization coverage, and remove cost as a barrier to access vaccines, Marion County Public Health was recently approved as a site for the new Iowa Vaccine for Adults (VFA) program to provide no cost vaccine for uninsured and underinsured adults 19 years of age or older.
If you are an adult 19 years or older who meet the following criteria, you qualify for no cost vaccines under the VFA program:
- Uninsured (no health insurance coverage)
- Underinsured
- Has insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines, caps prevention services, or whose insurance does not provide first-dollar coverage for vaccines
- Has Medicare Part B or Medicare Part D only (eligible for specific vaccines not covered)
Adults with private insurance, Medicaid, Iowa Health Link membership, or both Medicare Part B and D are not eligible for the VFA program. You can pay out of pocket for vaccines or go to your local healthcare provider.
Newborn/Child Immunizations
Public Health officials in Iowa recommend the newborn/childhood immunization schedule. The following vaccinations are for newborns/children ages 2 months through age 6.
- COVID-19
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hib
- Flu Vaccine
- IPV (Polio)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Prevnar 13/Prevnar 15
- Rotavirus
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
Adolescent Immunizations
Adolescents need to continue their immunization series and receive booster doses of vaccines for ongoing protection (immunity) against diseases. The following vaccines are for those ages 7–18 years.
Adolescents need the following immunizations:
- Meningococcal Vaccine—to protect them from meningococcal disease, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2–18 years. Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings. Meningococcal disease can also cause blood infections.
- Meningococcal (MenACWY)—This vaccine is required for all incoming 7th and 12th graders before beginning the school year. All 11–12 year olds should be vaccinated with a single dose of a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). A booster shot is required at age 16.
- Meningococcal B (MenB)—Teens, 16–18 years old, may be vaccinated with a MenB vaccine.
- Tdap vaccine—to protect your child from Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis, the Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults from these three serious diseases. This vaccine is a requirement for all seventh graders to receive before starting school.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—(Gardasil) is for both females and males between the ages of 9 and 26. HPV infection is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection in the U.S. It can cause cervical cancer and other diseases in females as well as males (anal cancer, genital warts, etc.). It can be prevented by having the Gardasil vaccine.
- Flu Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A
Adult Immunizations
You may not realize that you need vaccines throughout your life. Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available.
We currently offer the following adult vaccinations/skin tests:
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- HPV
- Influenza
- MMR
- Meningococcal
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Tdap
- Varicella
- TB (Tuberculosis) Skin Test
*Prices are not listed for private pay. Please call for more information. If you qualify for the VFA program, you can receive vaccines at no cost.
For more information on the VFA program, visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/immunization/vaccines-adults-program
International Travel
If you are planning on traveling outside of the country, visit Polk County Public Health for more information.
Marion County Public Health is not currently able to bill insurance companies. Vaccinations and screenings will need to be paid out of pocket at the time of service. If you are eligible for the VFA or VFC program, vaccines can be given at no cost. Please call us to make an appointment. 641-828-2238
Looking for your Immunization Record?
Call us at 641-828-2238 and ask for the Immunization Department.