Muscatine County COVID-19 Vaccine
To protect yourself, your loved ones and your community, all individuals 5 and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you're ready to schedule a vaccine appointment, please call public health or click here. If you're uncertain about the vaccine, please scroll to the bottom of the page to see common questions answered by health experts.
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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. Common side effects (fever, fatigue, headache, etc.) are less likely in ages 5 to 11 compared to those 12 and older.
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?
It's important to note that the FDA established rigorous safety requirements for these vaccines, and tens of thousands of individuals participated in the clinical trials. Even though the virus itself is new, the science behind the vaccines is not new—it is rooted in years of research, and every step of the vaccine process went through the same safety assessments as all other vaccines. Finally, we want our community to know that our clinical leaders and vaccine and infectious disease experts thoroughly reviewed all data surrounding the clinical trials of these vaccines, and they support vaccination to help stop the pandemic. For more information on vaccine safety, we recommend visiting the CDC website.
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.
Protect Yourself and Others
In the meantime, the best ways you can protect yourself from COVID-19 is by:
- Wearing a mask whenever you are out and about
- Keeping your distance from others
- Staying away from group gatherings outside your immediate household
- Staying home if you develop symptoms of illness
- Getting tested if you believe you may have COVID-19