Public Health urges vaccinations before Old Threshers

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Public Health urges all eligible residents to get their COVID-19 vaccine before the Old Threshers Reunion. The vaccine can keep you from getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19, helps keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19, and may protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

With visitors coming to our area from all over the state and country, the risk of community spread will increase. The best thing you can do to protect yourself and others in our community is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect our communities. When people do not get the virus, they cannot spread the virus, which is why vaccination is so important to help end the COVID-19 pandemic.

You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine; the vaccines do not use any form of the virus.

The vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19 without having to give people the actual illness. Testing for the vaccine was extensive; no safety steps were skipped.

Every study, every phase, and every trial was reviewed by the FDA and a safety board. After the shot, some people develop side effects. This is normal and means the body is building immunity against COVID-19.

“We understand people are ready to go back to a normal life, attend concerts and events, and be around other people again,” states Shelley Van Dorin, Public Health director. “Getting the vaccine will help keep you, your family, and our community healthy and safe.”

Henry County Public Health offers the J & Janssen vaccine, which is a single-dose vaccine and the Moderna vaccine which requires a second dose after 28 days. They are both for adults age 18 and older.

Vaccines are available on a walk-in basis during immunization clinics Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.;, and the first and third Thursday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Public Health is located at 106 N. Jackson St. in Mt. Pleasant. Find more information call 319-385-0779 or visit HealthyHenryCounty.org/covid.