Dakota County Public Health provides services and resources to support schools and parents to keep children, staff and families as healthy as possible.
If you have a question about school health (policies, resources, surveys, vaccines, etc.), please fill out our School Health Request Form. A staff member will respond within one week.
School health newsletter and monthly call
We send a monthly e-mail with recent health updates for school professionals. The newsletter has upcoming trainings, county health updates and new guidance. To subscribe to the email, visit the e-news signup page and select “Public Health News for Schools."
Public Health also hosts a monthly call with school health professionals. The call is a way to discuss current issues, share resources and stay up to date with changes in school health. To learn more about the call, contact Beth Reilly, School Health Specialist, at beth.reilly@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-279-2996.
School immunizations
Vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect school-aged children from potentially harmful diseases. Parents can find out which shots their child needs on our Vaccines for Children webpage.
Minnesota has laws requiring immunizations for children and teens in early childhood programs, child care, school and college. Visit the Minnesota Department of Health website to see the updated requirements for the school year.
Dakota County has vaccine clinics for adults and children. Some vaccines are supplied by state programs and are given for no or low cost to people who are eligible. Call the Immunization Information Line (952-891-7999) or visit the Immunization Clinics webpage for more information.
Immunization records
The Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) combines a person's immunizations into a single record. This works even if vaccines were given by different health care providers in the state. You can also download the Docket app to your mobile phone to view your immunization records.
Bed bugs, lice and school policies
The Environmental Protection Agency created bed bug documents for school administrators and school nurses. These documents include school response flow charts, tips on avoiding overreactions, closing schools and creating stigma. The University of Minnesota Extension also has a guide on controlling and preventing bed bugs.
Schools are not required to report head lice, but parents should be aware of signs and ways to remove it.
Naloxone in schools
In the 2023 legislative session, the Minnesota Legislature mandated the carrying of naloxone in schools as an intervention to prevent opioid overdose deaths in Minnesota. Learn more about the mandate on the state's website.
Infectious disease resources
Public Health partners with school nurses and health organizations to maintain fact sheets about a variety of infectious diseases and disease prevention practices. Information is intended for parents, child care providers and school health staff.
Contact information
For more information on school immunizations and infectious disease, contact Beth Reilly, School Health Specialist, at beth.reilly@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-279-2996.
For more information about Dakota County school wellness activities, including the Statewide Health Improvement Partnerships (SHIP) school mini grants, contact Marguerite Zauner, SHIP Coordinator, at marguerite.zauner@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-554-5942.