Polk County Health Department Iowa Phone, Vaccines, STI Testing & Official Local Services
This guide covers the Polk County Health Department in Des Moines, Iowa. It explains the official phone number, office address, hours, childhood vaccines, adult vaccines, STI testing, TB skin tests, travel vaccines, immigration services, communicable disease help, cancer screenings, lead hazard repair and the safest official route before visiting.
“Polk County Health Department” exists in more than one state. This article uses the verified Iowa department at 1907 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314, not Florida, Wisconsin, Nebraska or another Polk County office.
This finder helps you choose the right official path. It does not book appointments or replace department staff, but it keeps you from calling the wrong office for vaccines, STI testing, travel vaccines, TB testing, immigration exams or disease questions.
For general questions, services and appointments, call 515-286-3798. The office is located at 1907 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314 and lists regular office hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Polk County Health Department phone number, hours and main services
The Polk County Health Department main phone number is 515-286-3798. The office is located at 1907 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314. The official contact page lists regular office hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The department’s official service pages cover childhood vaccines, adult vaccines, STI testing and treatment, international travel vaccines, TB skin tests, immigration services, communicable disease prevention, cancer screenings through Ribbons of Hope, and a Lead Hazard Repair Program.
One important correction for users: birth, death and marriage records are handled by the Polk County Recorder, not by the Health Department. That distinction matters because many people searching for a county health department are actually trying to get a certificate and may call the wrong office.
Polk County Health Department fast facts for 2026
Official verification for this Polk County health guide
Publish-ready as of: May 10, 2026.
This guide was prepared using current official Polk County, Iowa Health Department pages, official Iowa HHS location information, official program pages for childhood vaccines, adult vaccines, STI testing and treatment, international travel vaccines, TB skin tests, immigration services, communicable disease prevention, cancer screenings, lead hazard repair, and official Polk County Recorder vital-record pages.
Public health programs can change. Appointment rules, costs, vaccine availability, clinic schedules, screening eligibility, immigration exam steps, travel-vaccine requirements and office hours should be verified directly on the official county website before visiting, paying or relying on a deadline.
What this Polk County Health Department guide covers
Which Polk County Health Department is this article about?
This article covers the Polk County Health Department in Des Moines, Iowa. The name “Polk County Health Department” is used by multiple counties in the United States, including departments in Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska and other locations. A generic search can easily lead to the wrong office.
If you need the Iowa department, confirm these identifiers before using the information on this page:
Polk County Health Department phone, address and office hours
The official Polk County Health Department contact page lists the department at 1907 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314. The main line is 515-286-3798, and the department email is healthdept@polkcountyiowa.gov.
Regular office hours are listed as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The department is located along DART routes 14 and 16, which can be useful for residents using public transit.
What services does Polk County Health Department provide?
The official programs and services section says the department helps residents stay healthy, get needed screenings and navigate the health system without barriers. The service mix is more clinical than a simple phone directory and includes vaccines, testing, prevention, travel health, immigration exams, screenings and home-safety programs.
Do you need an appointment at Polk County Health Department?
Many services at Polk County Health Department are appointment-based or easier to access by calling first. Official program pages for adult vaccines, TB skin tests, immigration services and STI testing all direct users to call for scheduling or same-day appointment requests.
Do not assume every service is walk-in. A short call before visiting can confirm whether you need an appointment, what records to bring, whether same-day slots remain and what cost or eligibility rules apply.
Polk County childhood vaccines, adult vaccines and immunization help
The official childhood vaccines page says Polk County Health Department provides all recommended childhood immunizations from birth through high school graduation for families who are uninsured or underinsured. This is a major local user need for parents preparing for school, childcare or catch-up vaccinations.
The adult vaccines page explains that staff help adults decide what vaccines may be needed based on age, health history, job, lifestyle, vaccine history and risk factors. Adults can call 515-286-3798 to schedule an appointment.
Polk County STI testing and treatment
The official STI Testing and Treatment page says the department tests for common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis C. The page instructs users to call 515-286-3798 during business hours to request a same-day appointment and notes that spots fill quickly.
The same official page lists current testing and treatment cost information, but service pricing can change. Residents should verify the latest details before the visit, especially if they need treatment, follow-up or partner services.
TB skin tests and communicable disease prevention
The official TB skin test page says Polk County Health Department offers TB skin tests by appointment. These tests are commonly needed for employment, school or medical-clearance requirements.
The communicable disease and prevention section provides guidance and support for schools and the community. For disease-specific questions, the official contact information lists the communicable disease team at 515-286-3890.
International travel vaccines and immigration services
The official international travel vaccines page says the department offers travel-related immunizations and guidance for individuals, families and groups traveling outside the United States. It also includes destination-based information and special notes such as physician-note requirements for certain older travelers who need yellow fever vaccination.
The immigration services page says the department offers USCIS-required medical exams and vaccines through a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. This service is relevant for green card applicants who need physicals and required immunizations completed correctly.
Cancer screenings and lead hazard repair programs
The official Ribbons of Hope page says the program offers free cancer screenings for people who are uninsured or underinsured. This can be especially important for residents who delay screening because of cost concerns.
The official Lead Hazard Repair Program page describes free lead inspections, risk assessments and repairs to lead-painted surfaces such as windows, doors, walls and trim for qualifying homes. This is a strong local public health service because lead exposure can harm children and families long before symptoms are obvious.
Birth, death and marriage records are handled by Polk County Recorder
One of the most useful corrections for users is that vital records are not handled by the Polk County Health Department in Iowa. The official Polk County Recorder pages handle birth records, death records and marriage records.
If you need a certified birth certificate, death certificate or marriage record, contact the Polk County Recorder instead of calling the Health Department. This distinction saves time and reduces wrong-office visits.
What may require another office instead of Polk County Health Department
The health department provides important clinical and prevention services, but not every health-related task belongs there. Calling the wrong office can delay the service you actually need.
Polk County Health Department visit checklist before you go
A short preparation step can save a repeat visit. Use this checklist before going to the Des Moines office or requesting a clinic appointment.
Free vs paid Polk County Health Department services
Some Polk County Health Department services are free for eligible residents, while others may have listed costs or eligibility rules. For example, official pages describe free cancer screenings for eligible uninsured or underinsured residents and free lead hazard repair services for qualifying homes. Other clinical services, such as STI testing and treatment, may have posted costs.
The smart rule is to verify the exact official service page before assuming a service is free or paid. Eligibility, insurance, age, income, program funding and clinic type can change what applies to you.
How to contact the right Polk County Health Department service
Confirm that you need the Iowa office
This guide covers Polk County Health Department in Des Moines, Iowa. Check the address and phone first if your search was generic.
Choose the exact service
Decide whether you need childhood vaccines, adult vaccines, STI testing, TB testing, travel vaccines, immigration services, disease prevention, cancer screening or lead repair support.
Use the official program page or main phone
Start with the official county page. For many appointments, call 515-286-3798. For communicable disease questions, use 515-286-3890.
Prepare documents before the visit
Bring vaccine records, identification, insurance information, itinerary details, USCIS paperwork or other service-specific records as needed.
Use the correct office for vital records
If you need birth, death or marriage records, switch to the Polk County Recorder instead of the Health Department.
Do not use a routine county health phone line for emergencies
If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911. If you need immediate medical treatment, severe symptom evaluation, overdose response or urgent safety help, do not wait for a routine public health callback.
The Polk County Health Department is useful for prevention, vaccines, screenings, communicable disease support and local public health programs. It is not a substitute for emergency medical care or personal diagnosis.
Polk County Health Department map and office location
The office is located at 1907 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314. Use the map below for location help, but call before visiting when you need an appointment-based service or a same-day clinic slot.
Official Polk County Health Department links and trusted resources
Use these official sources before relying on an old directory, social post or private third-party page.
Polk County Health Department official website Main official site for services, health education, reports and department updates. Official contact page Main phone, address, email and office-hour information. Department contact information Program-specific phone numbers including disease prevention, health education and immunizations. Programs and services Official overview of available health department services. Childhood vaccines Official immunization support for eligible children from birth through high school graduation. Adult vaccines Official adult vaccine guidance and appointment information. STI testing and treatment Official clinic page for testing, treatment and same-day appointment requests. TB skin tests Official TB testing page for appointment-based clearance needs. International travel vaccines Official travel vaccine and destination-guidance page. Immigration services Official immigration physicals and required-vaccine service page. Cancer screenings — Ribbons of Hope Official page for free cancer screenings for eligible uninsured or underinsured residents. Lead Hazard Repair Program Official page for lead inspections, risk assessments and repair support. Polk County Recorder vital records Official page for birth, death and marriage records. Iowa HHS official location listing Official state listing confirming Polk County Health Department address and phone.Polk County Health Department FAQ
What is the Polk County Health Department phone number?
The main Polk County Health Department phone number is 515-286-3798.
Which Polk County Health Department is this article about?
This guide covers the Polk County Health Department in Des Moines, Iowa, located at 1907 Carpenter Avenue.
What are the Polk County Health Department hours?
The official contact page lists regular office hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Does Polk County Health Department offer childhood vaccines?
Yes. The official childhood vaccines page says the department provides recommended childhood immunizations from birth through high school graduation for eligible uninsured or underinsured families.
Does Polk County Health Department offer adult vaccines?
Yes. The official adult vaccines page provides adult vaccine guidance and says residents can call 515-286-3798 to schedule an appointment.
Does Polk County Health Department offer STI testing?
Yes. The official STI testing page says the department offers STI testing and treatment and accepts same-day appointment requests by phone during business hours.
Does Polk County Health Department offer TB skin tests?
Yes. The official TB page says TB skin tests are offered by appointment.
Does Polk County Health Department provide travel vaccines?
Yes. The official international travel vaccines page says the department provides travel-related immunizations and guidance for people traveling outside the United States.
Does Polk County Health Department provide immigration physicals?
Yes. The official immigration services page says the department offers USCIS-designated civil-surgeon exams and required vaccines.
Can I get a birth certificate from Polk County Health Department?
No. In Polk County, Iowa, vital records such as birth, death and marriage records are handled by the Polk County Recorder, not the Health Department.
What is the communicable disease phone number?
The official contact information page lists the communicable disease team at 515-286-3890.
Does Polk County Health Department offer free cancer screenings?
The official Ribbons of Hope page says the program offers free cancer screenings for eligible people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Does Polk County Health Department help with lead hazards?
Yes. The official Lead Hazard Repair Program page describes free inspections, risk assessments and lead-hazard repairs for qualifying homes.
Is this the official Polk County Health Department website?
No. This is an independent guide. For official hours, appointments, clinic details and service updates, use the official Polk County, Iowa Health Department website.
Independent guide and official-use disclaimer
This article is an independent guide created to help users understand Polk County Health Department Iowa services, phone number, hours, childhood vaccines, adult vaccines, STI testing, TB skin tests, travel vaccines, immigration services, disease prevention, cancer screenings, lead hazard repair and official local links.
It is not the official Polk County Health Department website and does not provide medical, legal, benefits or emergency advice. Before visiting, paying, scheduling, relying on a same-day service or using any program detail, verify information directly with the official county website or the correct county office.
Bottom line for Polk County Health Department services and phone help
For Polk County, Iowa, start with the official Health Department at 1907 Carpenter Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314. Use 515-286-3798 for general questions and many service appointments, and use 515-286-3890 for communicable disease questions.
The department offers strong local public-health services including childhood vaccines, adult vaccines, STI testing, TB skin tests, travel vaccines, immigration services, disease prevention, cancer screenings and lead hazard repair. If your goal is a birth, death or marriage certificate, switch to the Polk County Recorder instead of the Health Department.