Iowa requires documented immunization records for all children attending school under Iowa Code §139A.8. Iowa also uses the Certificate of Immunization — a state-specific form that must be signed by a healthcare provider and submitted to the school. Here is every form, where to get it, and the deadlines.
Last verified: September 8, 2026
Under Iowa Code §139A.8, every child entering an Iowa school must have a valid Certificate of Immunization signed by a licensed healthcare provider. This certificate documents all required vaccine doses and must be submitted to the school before the child begins classes.
Required vaccines for Iowa school entry:
Iowa does not require a physical exam for school entry at the state level. However, individual school districts may request a health screening, and a physical exam is required for students participating in Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) or Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) sports.
Even without a state mandate, the well-child visit where your pediatrician completes the Certificate of Immunization is the ideal time to address any health concerns and verify your child's records are complete.
Iowa added Hepatitis A (2 doses) to its kindergarten entry requirements. Families moving from states without a Hep A school requirement should verify their child's Hep A status before enrollment. The two doses are spaced at least 6 months apart — if your child has only received one dose, the second dose must be scheduled and a catch-up plan documented.
Ask your pediatrician to check IRIS (Iowa's immunization registry) for completeness. Identify any missing doses — especially Hep A for kindergartners and Tdap/MenACWY for 7th graders.
Schedule a well-child visit to have the Certificate of Immunization completed and signed by your child's physician. Address any catch-up doses at this visit.
Iowa law requires the Certificate of Immunization on file before the child begins classes. Students without documentation may be excluded until records are provided. Iowa allows a provisional enrollment period while a documented catch-up schedule is in progress.
Iowa families navigating the Certificate of Immunization, IRIS records, and Hep A requirements across multiple providers know how fragmented the picture gets. Family Stork brings it all together.
Give any Iowa clinic your child's private @families.familystork.com address. They send vaccine records and visit summaries — the health timeline builds itself. When school enrollment opens and the district asks for the Certificate, the complete record is already organized.
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Iowa recognizes medical and religious exemptions from school immunization requirements under Iowa Code §139A.8. Medical exemptions require a physician's signed statement. Religious exemptions require a signed statement from the parent or guardian. Iowa does not offer a personal belief or philosophical exemption.
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Give any Iowa clinic your child's private @familystork address. They send records; the timeline builds itself. No portal logins, no uploads, nothing for the clinic to learn.
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