As the 2013-2014 school year winds down, the staff at the Atlantic Medical Center (AMC) is starting to prepare for the 2014-2015 school year. If your child will be entering preschool or kindergarten in any of the area schools and is still in need of their immunizations, make the call now to avoid last minute appointments and schedule conflicts. “Not only do immunizations protect your child, but the community at large,” explained Jeri Orstad, RN, AMC Immunization Nurse. “Plan now to be sure your child is ready to attend school this fall.” All immunizations given at AMC are entered into the state immunization database, so records are current and easily accessed. If you are unsure if your child needs immunizations before starting school call AMC and ask for the Immunization Room. Jeri or one of the other immunization nurses will be happy to check your child’s immunization record.

If your child is entering the 7th grade, be sure they have an updated Tdap vaccine. Due to recent pertussis (whooping cough) outbreaks the Iowa Department of Public Health has mandated that everyone entering the 7th grade and above who was born on or after September 15th, 2000, mustl receive a one-time dose of Tdap vaccine. Pertussis (whooping cough) is very contagious, and is one of the most commonly occurring vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. In 2012, there were approximately 417% more people with pertussis disease compared to the average of the past five years. The majority of cases occur in children ages 10-14 years.

Year                     2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Reported cases  152    255    239    705   232   1647

For older children, AMC will be offering vaccine updates again at the sport physical exams this year. Parents must be present at the time of exam in order for their child to receive any immunizations. Sport physicals will be offered every Tuesday from July 8th through August 5th from 5:15 pm – 7 pm. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling Atlantic Medical Center at at 712-243-2850. Cost for a sport physical is $12, which is payable at the appointment, with no insurance submission provided.

Walk-in hours for receiving immunizations are 8:30am-11:00 am Monday through Saturday, and 1:30pm-4:00pm Monday through Friday. If you have any questions about immunizations for people of any age, contact the Atlantic Medical Center Immunization Room, 712-243-2850.

(Press Release)