Disease Prevention and Control

Polk County Public Health is committed to protecting residents’ health from communicable diseases in partnership with Minnesota Department of Health and local health care providers. Efforts may include surveillance activities, disease prevention, and control response for Tuberculosis, Perinatal Hepatitis B, sexually transmitted illnesses/ HIV, vaccine-preventable diseases, Influenza, COVID-19, food- and vector-borne diseases, and other diseases as deemed necessary. 

Reportable Infectious Diseases to MDH

Immunizations

Vaccines are for everyone. People of all ages can be protected from disease by getting vaccinated. Vaccinations are one of the best weapons we have against a number of serious diseases.

Why Immunize?

Children start getting Immunizations just after they are born so their body can start building immunity to dangerous diseases. The vaccines given to babies contains germs, but they are weakened so the child doesn't get ill. The weakened germs is why more than one dose of some vaccines is needed. Children need to build up enough antibodies from the vaccines to be able to fight off disease.

Immunization Records

Keeping up to date immunization records for your family is important. You will need your child's immunization information to register them for child care, school, camps and other activities. Polk County Public Health can provide immunization records and answer any questions you have about vaccines.

For information, please contact us at 218-281-3385.

Other Immunization Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Center for Disease Control: Vaccines and Immunizations
• Minnesota Dept. of Health: Who needs immunizations and when
• Docket and MIIC Immunization Records

Perinatal Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be passed from an infected woman to her child during birth. Without proper treatment and follow up, infants are at a high risk of hepatitis B infection. Perinatal transmission of HBV can be prevented.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are two phases: latent infection and active disease. Active TB disease most often affects the lungs, but can involve any part of the body.

Vectorborne Diseases

Vectorborne diseases are diseases spread by mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests.

What's Happening Now?

Trends we are seeing in Minnesota:

• MDH Annual Summary of Disease Activity: Disease Control Newsletter
• Pertussis Information
• MDH Sexually Transmitted Disease Statistics