Henry County offers answers for common vaccine questions

For those wondering about when they can receive the COVID-19 vaccine and how to get it, Henry County has the answers.

Henry County Public Health is answering common questions on the COVID-19 vaccine and its distribution with fliers posted in public places and on social media.

Not everyone is currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as vaccine distribution is in Phase 1-A, which includes health care providers and skilled nursing and long-term care facility residents. These phases are determined by the Iowa Department of Public Health based on Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and vaccine availability.

There is no set timeline for expanding vaccine distribution to larger groups.

There is no waiting list to get a vaccine, and any claims that people can get on a waiting list or pay to receive the vaccine quicker are scams, as the vaccine is only distributed for free through Public Health.

Once more groups are eligible for the vaccine, Henry County public Health will announce scheduled vaccine clinics at HealthyHenryCounty.org/Immunizations.

People will still need to continue to wear masks and social distance after receiving the vaccine as experts learn more about how the vaccine protects against contracting COVID-19 in real-life conditions. Wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, and washing hands often are still the best ways to avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19.

The flier states that the department doesn't have all the answers but will continue to update the public with new information as it becomes available. The public can look for CDC and local updates at HealthyHenryCounty.org/covid and Facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty.