Polk County Health Department

01/09/2026

Central Iowa hospitals and clinics are seeing very high levels of influenza and other respiratory illness activity, leading to increased demand across emergency departments and inpatient units.

Getting your flu shot, preventing spread of the flu, and knowing where to go for care are especially important during periods of high hospital demand.

Read more in this joint statement from Des Moines Health Care Coalition partners:
https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/news-and-press-releases/increased-flu-and-respiratory-illness-activity-impacting-central-iowa-hospitals/

01/08/2026

Wondering what recent federal changes to the childhood vaccine schedule could mean for your family?

Here’s what we want you to know: the science has not changed. Childhood vaccines remain safe, effective, and one of the most important ways we protect children from serious illness. While questions about access and coverage remain, our commitment to following the evidence and protecting kids’ health has not changed.

We encourage families to reach out to their healthcare provider with questions about vaccines.

01/07/2026

Reminder: Our Cancer in Polk County community event has been rescheduled. We hope you will join us for this important conversation.

🗓️ Tuesday, January 20
🕔 5–7 PM
📍 In-person: Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University l Virtual

Register: https://iowacancerconsortium.wildapricot.org/event-6429628

Why this conversation matters: On average, 2,601 people in Polk County are diagnosed with cancer each year, and 827 people lose their lives to the disease. Iowa now has the 2nd-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the nation, and those rates are continuing to rise.

Join us, along with experts and community partners, as we take a deeper dive into local cancer trends, risk factors, what the data shows, what's being done - and what we can do together.

The Harkin Institute Iowa Cancer Consortium Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Iowa Rural Health Association University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

12/31/2025

New year, continued commitment to creating a healthier Polk County—one conversation, one program, and one caring act at a time.

Thank you for trusting us and working alongside us in 2025. We're wishing you a safe and healthy New Year! 💚

12/31/2025

✨ NEW YEAR'S EVE ✨ - Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

*** VISIT THIS LINK TO CLAIM VOUCHER: https://r.uber.com/RMQKKMHHALZ

Keep the season’s festive lights in front of you — not flashing in your rearview mirror. Make a resolution to get home safe this New Year! Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. ❄️🎁

This $10 Uber voucher is provided by Doll Distributing - Des Moines through the Decide To Ride program and is valid from 12/31 to 1/4.

12/31/2025

12/30/2025

What is whooping cough?

Pertussis (commonly referred to as whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can spread through droplets when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Illness often begins with cold-like symptoms, but the cough can become severe and last for weeks.

Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but infants are at greatest risk for serious illness and complications. Some babies may not develop a cough at all and instead experience pauses in breathing or turning blue, which requires immediate medical attention.

12/30/2025

The Iowa Primary Care Association and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services are seeking feedback on mental and behavioral health services in the community.

Take the short survey: www.iowapca.org/district-assessment

12/29/2025

🚨 Flu activity is high right now 🚨

Widespread flu illness is being reported across the state. The good news? There are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

✔️ Get your flu shot (it’s not too late)
✔️ Wash hands often
✔️ Stay home when you’re sick
✔️ Cover coughs and sneezes

If you have flu-like symptoms, talk with a healthcare provider—especially if you’re at higher risk for complications.

12/29/2025

During extreme temperatures for either heat or cold, the Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan will be in effect. Activation criteria for extreme temperatures is as follows:

12/24/2025

We’re not saying we’re competitive, but we’re not NOT saying we’re competitive…

Happy holidays from PCHD! We loved celebrating together at the first annual (and potentially only ever) PCHD Winter Olympics.

Congratulations to our winners! We’re wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday season. ❄️🏅

12/24/2025

The holiday season can be joyful, but it can also be stressful. You are not alone.💙

If you're finding it difficult to cope this time of year, reach out. Call or text the 988 Lifeline to be connected with a skilled, compassionate counselor. The help line is available 24/7, 365 days a year.