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COVID-19

Need a COVID test?

Public Health does not do testing on site or have rapid tests available, but does have free saliva self-tests for pick-up. Tests are sent via UPS and you need internet access and an email address to register and receive your results. Tests are available during business hours but please call ahead if you are sick or have been exposed so we can arrange to meet you outside. 319-385-0779

Make the Choice to Get Vaccinated to Help Protect You, Your Family, and Your Community!

Walk-Ins for the COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer, and J&J) will be accepted at Henry County Public Health on the following days/times:

  • Wednesday, January 12th 1-3:30pm
  • Thursday, January 13th 9am-3:30pm
  • Wednesday, January 19th 1-3:30pm
  • Thursday, January 20th 9am-5:30pm
  • Wednesday, January 26th 1-3:30pm
  • Thursday, January 27th 9am-3:30pm

VACCINE CONSENT FORM. Save time by printing and filling out your form before you arrive. Click here to download the vaccine consent form for age 12+. Español  Click here to download the vaccine consent form for age 5-11.

Flu shots will also be provided during these walk-in clinics for $35 unless we can bill your insurance.

Find all vaccine providers at vaccines.gov.

Before Getting Your Vaccine:

  • Learn about the different vaccines from the CDC here.
  • Click here to learn more about possible common side effects. You will receive a print-out of this when you receive your vaccine. Español
  • Need transportation? Call SEIBUS at 866-753-5107 to schedule a FREE ride (advance notice required) Monday – Friday 9am-3pm. SEIBUS is handicap accessible.
  • If you or someone you know is homebound, call us at 319-385-0779 and we will set up an appointment to come to your house.

Vaccinations for Youth

CDC recommends everyone 5 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against COVID-19. Learn more here.

  • Children are as likely to be infected with COVID-19 as adults and can:
    • Get very sick from COVID-19
    • Have both short and long-term health complications from COVID-19
    • Spread COVID-19 to others, including at home and school
  • COVID-19 ranks as one of the top 10 causes of death for children ages 5 through 11 years.
  • Children who get infected with COVID-19 can also develop serious complications like multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C)—a condition where different body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. 

Before recommending COVID-19 vaccination for children, scientists conducted clinical trials with thousands of children and no serious safety concerns were identified. The FDA gave the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine emergency authorization to use in children ages 5-15 years old and full approval to use in people ages 16 years and older. Learn more about the process of developing, authorizing, and approving COVID-19 vaccines.

Booster Shots

If you received Pfizer – individuals age 12+ should receive a booster shot 5 months after their 2nd shot. (updated 1-6-22)

If you received Moderna – you should receive a booster shot 5 months after your 2nd shot. (updated 1-10-22)

If you received J&J – you should receive a booster shot 2 months after your initial shot.

Booster doses can be a different brand than your original series if you are 18+. CDC has updated its recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines with a preference for people to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna).

What To Do If You May Have Been Exposed To The Virus

Updated 12/28/21: People who are Unvaccinated OR are more than 6 months since their 2nd Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or more than 2 months since their J&J vaccine and not yet boosted should:

  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5 if possible.
  • If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

Fully vaccinated people who have received their booster shot or are not yet eligible for a booster shot should:

  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5 if possible.
  • If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

Click here to download the full isolation and quarantine guidance document.

What To Do If You Are Sick

Common symptoms of COVID-19 may include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; fever or chills; muscle or body aches; headache; sore throat; congestion or runny note; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea; or new loss of taste or smell. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you are sick:

  • Stay home except to get medical care
  • Stay separate from other people and pets in your home
  • Do not share personal household items
  • Get tested. Options include Family Medicine of Mt. Pleasant, Henry County Health Center Clinics, Hy-Vee Pharmacy, QuickVisit Urgent Care, or pick up an at-home test kit at Public Health (learn more here).
    • Click here for isolation guidance if your test is positive.
  • Monitor your symptoms
  • Seek emergency medical attention if someone is having:
    • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • Inability to wake or stay awake
    • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds depending on skin tone
  • Download the 10 things you can do to manage your COVID-19 symptoms at home handout.
  • Click here for more steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick.

How to Protect Yourself & Others

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.

  • Get Vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people getting COVID-19 and can also reduce the risk of spreading it.
  • Wear a mask – Everyone 2 years or older who is not fully vaccinated should wear a mask in indoor public places.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from people you don’t live with.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Test to prevent spread to others. A positive test result means that you have an infection and should isolate and inform your close contacts to avoid spreading disease to others. Click here for isolation guidance.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

Hotlines

COVID Recovery Iowa – 844-775-9276

Connect with a peer counselor or request to get in touch with a COVID Recovery Iowa counselor. Visit website for information on group activities, support groups and other resources.

Iowa Concern Hotline – 800-447-1985 (call or text)

24/7 hotline to connect with emotional support, discuss financial concerns, and learn about your legal rights. Visit website.

Your Life Iowa – 855-581-8111 or text 855-895-8398

24/7 crisis hotline for help with alcohol, drugs, gambling, suicidal thoughts, and mental health concerns. Visit website.

Iowa COVID-19 Legal Hotline – 800-332-0419

Monday – Friday 9am-4pm; legal advice hotline for COVID-19 – related legal issues. Visit website.

211

Call 211 for help finding resources. Visit website

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