Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued Emergency Use Authorization for the first vaccines in the United States to prevent COVID-19. Development and authorization of these vaccines occurred in record time, leading some to question the safety and effectiveness of these life-saving developments.

Iowa Immunizes Statement on Covid-19 Vaccinations

Iowa Immunizes recommends that all eligible Iowans receive the Covid-19 vaccine as directed by their medical providers.

It is safe. We are confident in the safety protocols and scientific review of vaccines by the US Food and Drug Administration. In addition to the safety review by the FDA, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) convened a panel of vaccine safety experts to independently evaluate the safety data from the clinical trials. Side effects are minimal . It is not uncommon to experience minor side effects from being vaccinated. This is a normal immune system response and means that your body is actively working to produce antibodies to the virus. A list of common, temporary side effects can be found on the CDC website .

All Iowans should have access to the vaccine, with prioritization that ensures equity. Anticipated supplies of COVID-19 vaccine will be initially limited, with the first available vaccines being allocated to health care workers and the long-term care community, per ACIP guidelines. Iowa Immunizes calls on state, local and business leaders to equitably distribute subsequent vaccines based on risk and disproportionate impact of contracting COVID-19.

Iowa Immunizes calls on all Iowans to continue to protect themselves and their neighbors by wearing a facial covering when away from home, social distancing from those in not in your household, staying home when ill, and getting vaccinated when it’s your turn.

For more information, please contact Iowa Immunizes coalition sponsoring agency Iowa Public Health Association- Lina Tucker Reinders at lina@iowapha.org.

For more medical and health information, please contact Iowa Immunizes coalition chair- Dr. Nathan Boonstra at chairIowaImmunizes@iowapha.org.

Resources

Facebook