Healthcare providers at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) and the McCrary Rost Clinics are reminding parents and guardians that now is the best time to start preparing kids for going back to school. Scheduling your child’s back-to-school check-up and immunizations now gives providers the chance to do a thorough exam and address any emotional, developmental or social concerns. Vaccinations are a critical part of this process and are required for children to enter kindergarten as well as those going into grades seven and 12. Seventh graders must have a Tdap booster (tetanus and pertussis) and meningitis vaccination. The second meningitis vaccine is administered between the ages of 16 and 18 and is required before entering the senior year in high school. Other vaccinations that prevent diseases for adolescents are critical as well. These include inoculation against meningococcal disease, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and COVID. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that children over the age of 12 receive a COVID-19 vaccination. This year, the McCrary Rost Clinics are offering incentives for any child entering kindergarten who completes their physical/well child visit between July 12 and Aug. 16. These children will receive a free book bag after their visit is complete. More details are available through the contact points included below.
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McCrary Rost Clinics:
Lake City: 712-464-7907
Gowrie: 515-352-3891
Lake View: 712-665-8555
Rockwell City: 712-297-8989
