COVID-19 Information

Fact: COVID-19 Vaccines Will Not Give You COVID-19

None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. There are several different types of vaccines in development, however the goal for each of them is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it's possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

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For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccine Facts page.

Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

We understand that some people may be concerned about getting vaccinated. While these vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is authorized or approved for use. Safety is a top priority, and there are many reasons to get vaccinated.

For more information, visit the CDC Vaccine Benefits page.

Current Status

The state of Iowa has also released an updated dashboard on at the COVID-19 in Iowa website that will be updated daily to include comprehensive tracking of COVID-19 in Iowa.

The new dashboard includes cases, deaths, and tests conducted in each county. The state is now providing demographic information that was not previously provided as well as Iowa's epidemiological curve

COVID-19 Stay Healthy

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How to Help

Volunteer

The Iowa Department of Public Health's secure online registry for individuals wishing to volunteer in the event of a large scale disaster or public health emergency. i-SERV is part of a federal effort to coordinate and assemble volunteers for all types of emergencies. Sign up at the i-SERV website.