Get Your Flu Shot Through Clinics Planned at Ankeny Schools

The Ankeny school district is again partnering with the Polk County Health Department to provide seasonal flu vaccination clinics in Ankeny schools Sept. 21 through Oct. 11, according to a district news release. 

The influenza vaccination will be available to all school district staff and students, and will be open to the public.

Polk County Health Department will accept Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, United Healthcare, Midland's Choice, Secure Horizons, Wellmark, or a suggested donation of $20. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay, the news release said.

Every year, one in six people in Polk County will get the flu. These people will be contagious before their symptoms appear, making it possible to pass the flu on to others without knowing it. Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting and spreading the flu. 

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) boosters will also be available at no cost to any students 10 to 18 years old. If the last Tdap your child received was before entering kindergarten and your child is between the ages of 10 and 18, they should receive a Tdap booster vaccination to ensure full protection against these diseases.

Consent Forms Required for Students

Parents must sign a consent form before their child can be vaccinated. Consent forms can be downloaded via the links below, or will also be available at the clinics. Parents are encouraged to attend the clinic with their child.

Polk County Health Department information is also available at the following links:

• A letter from the Polk County Health Department in an English version, or Versión en Español
• A consent form to fill out and return in English version or Versión en Español
• A privacy notice

Flu Clinic Schedule

• Friday, Sept. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m., Northview Middle School Commons (1302 N. Ankeny Blvd.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., Parkview Middle School Performance Center (105 N.W. Pleasant St.)
• Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Southview Middle School Cafeteria (1020 S.W. Cherry St.)
• Monday, Oct. 8, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., Terrace Elementary Media Center (310 N.W. School St.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., Prairie Trail Elementary Gym (1850 S.W. College Ave.)
• Thursday, Oct. 11, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., Northeast Elementary Media Center, (1705 N.E. Trilein Dr.)

Note: For all clinics, elementary students must have a parent or guardian present. Middle and high school students need a parent-signed consent form.

Vaccinations and flu clinics are provided by the Polk County Health Department. If you have questions about the flu clinics, call the Polk County Health Department at 515-286-3798.