COVID-19 Vaccine Information
To protect yourself, your loved ones and your community, all individuals age 6 months and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you're ready to schedule a vaccine appointment, scroll down for scheduling information. If you're uncertain about the vaccine, please scroll to the bottom of this page to see common questions answered by UnityPoint Health experts.
Please see our visitor restrictions and masking policies before visiting one of our facilities.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
Dubuque County Public Health COVID-19 Website
Sleeves Up! Phone Number 563-690-MAKE (6253). Provides assistance making a vaccination appointment. Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine from fact-based sources, such as the FDA and CDC. Please contact your health care provider if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Booster Doses
Single booster doses are CDC and FDA approved for qualified patients. If you have questions on whether you should receive a booster dose or when you should receive a booster dose, we encourage you to contact your primary care provider.
Additional (third) dose - Certain immunocompromised individuals can receive a third vaccine dose, as outlined by the CDC. Please call your primary care provider if you have any questions or to schedule your appointment.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
How do I know the vaccine is safe for my child?
Thousands of children participated in the vaccine clinical trials. With continuous monitoring and millions of doses administered to adults, the vaccines have proven to be very safe. There are common, minor short-term side effects but nothing long-term has been identified.
Although children have a significantly lower risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19, both can happen. In addition, there can be long-term illness associated with initial COVID-19, including in children, so prevention is key.
How long does the COVID-19 vaccine last?
It's normal for vaccine effectiveness to decrease with time. How long you're protected after a COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be better defined, but it's known to last about four-to-six months after the initial vaccine series and each booster shot.
What should I expect during my COVID-19 vaccine?
If you're wondering about how to prepare for your vaccine, including information about taking over-the-counter pain medications, read How to Prepare for a COVID-19 Vaccine.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
The science used to create the COVID-19 vaccines isn't new — it's rooted in years of research. Every step of the vaccine process went through the same rigorous safety assessments by the FDA as all other vaccines. Finally, our clinical leaders, vaccine committee and infectious disease experts thoroughly review all data surrounding the vaccine clinical trials and support vaccination to help end the pandemic. You can learn more about mRNA vaccines development or visit the CDC website for more information on vaccine safety.
What are the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine
Ingredients for the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID Vaccine may be found on the Fact Sheet.
Ingredients for the Moderna COVID Vaccine may be found on the EUA Fact Sheet. Ingredients for the Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine may be found on the EUA Fact Sheet.
What are the potential side effects?
Side effects are common, but generally mild to moderate
and occur within the first few days of getting the vaccine. For more information read the Comirnaty (Pfizer) Fact Sheet, Moderna EUA Fact Sheet, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen EUA Fact Sheet. All materials were created by the FDA and
include the latest information.
Why should I get the vaccine if I'm pregnant or nursing?
The CDC says pregnant people have increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant individuals. COVID-19 during pregnancy can also increase the risk for preterm birth. Due to support from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, it's recommended all pregnant individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19. All data indicates the vaccine is very effective and safe during pregnancy.
View our helpful decision-making guide
I am undocumented/do not have an ID Card. Can I get the vaccine?
Yes, even if you cannot provide proof of residency or state identification. All people in the U.S. – regardless of their immigration status – will be able to get vaccinated at no cost.
Recommended By Our Experts
Read fact-based news from UnityPoint Health experts who answer the most common questions when it comes to COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine.
9 Tips to Recover Faster from COVID-19 or Flu
It's true, coronavirus and the flu can feel very similar. Many people who contract either virus can recuperate from the comfort of their own home. Dr. Stephen Rinderknecht, UnityPoint Health, tells us how to recover in our own space from the coronavirus or flu (or both).
Can COVID-19 or COVID-19 Vaccines Cause Heart Damage?
While the COVID-19 virus takes a toll on the lungs, Dr. Todd Langager, Cardiovascular Medical Director for UnityPoint Health, says our experience with the virus proves it can cause short and long-term damage to the heart and cardiovascular system as well.
How to Prepare for a COVID-19 Vaccine
Once you schedule your COVID-19 vaccine, you might wonder, "What should I expect from my vaccine experience?" Here's everything you need to know about the vaccination process so you know what to expect before, during and after your COVID-19 vaccine.