COVID-19

3rd dose boosters for immunocompromised people.

Recently the FDA authorized a 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine booster for immunocompromised individuals. 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine boosters are available now at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and health departments across Iowa. The 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine booster only applies to individuals who have completed the two-dose vaccine from either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech AND fit into an eligible category:

Cancer treatment
Organ transplant recipient that takes medication to suppress immune system
Received stem cell transplant in last 2 years
Medication that suppresses immune system
Has an immunodeficiency (DiGeorge Syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome)
Advanced or untreated HIV infection
Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids

3rd dose boosters for adults 65+ and specific at-risk groups.

CDC’s independent advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted yesterday September 23, 2021 to recommend a booster dose of Pfizer’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in certain populations. Individuals may self-attest (i.e. self-report that they are eligible) and receive a booster shot wherever vaccines are offered. Effective immediately, CDC recommends:

People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

These recommendations are ONLY for those who originally received two-dose series of Pfizer’s COVID vaccine in the primary series.

Booster doses might be recommended in the future for those who received COVID vaccines manufactured by Moderna or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), or those who received a different mRNA vaccine for each dose in the primary series, but ACIP did not address these situations. CDC will also evaluate with similar urgency available data in the coming weeks to swiftly make additional recommendations for other populations or people who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify please speak to your medical provider, if you do not have a medical provider please call your local hospital or clinic and schedule an appointment with a medical provider.

For information about COVID-19 transmission rates in your area, visit coronavirus.ia.gov/

For information about the virus that causes COVID-19 or the disease itself, visit https://www.cdc.gov/

Past media releases

COVID-19 Testing Options for Cerro Gordo County

CG Public Health is now offering free at-home COVID-19 testing kits. In order to obtain one, you must first call the department at 641-421-9300. You cannot obtain a testing kit without first making arrangements by calling 641-421-9300.