COVID-19

COVID-19 1st & 2nd dose vaccine – Moderna (18+), Pfizer-BioNTech (5+), Johnson & Johnson (18+, when available). see information below regarding children aged 5-11.

COVID-19 booster dose vaccine – Moderna (65+ and at-risk groups), Pfizer-BioNTech (65+ and at-risk groups), Johnson & Johnson (18+) see information below.

COVID-19 3rd dose vaccine – Moderna (18+ immunocompromised), Pfizer-BioNTech (12+ immunocompromised) see information below.

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COVID-19 3rd dose vaccine for immunocompromised people.

Recently the FDA and the CDC authorized a 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised individuals. 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccines are available now at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and health departments across Iowa. The 3rd dose COVID-19 vaccine 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 the immune system
Received stem cell transplant in last 2 years
Medication that suppresses the immune system
Has an immunodeficiency (DiGeorge Syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome)
Advanced or untreated HIV infection
Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids

There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. The CDC’s recommendations now allow for the mix and match dosing of booster shots. While some people may prefer to get a different booster, this will be dependent on the availability of COVID-19 vaccines on hand.

Moderna & Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for adults 65+ and specific at-risk groups.

The FDA and CDC have voted to recommend a booster dose of Moderna & 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. Booster dose COVID-19 vaccines are available now at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and health departments across Iowa.

Effective immediately, CDC recommends:

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

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for adults aged 18 years and older.

Effective immediately, CDC recommends:

People aged 18 years and older who received a single dose Johnson & Johnson primary series (1 dose) should receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose at least 2 months after completing the primary series.
- The Johnson & Johnson vaccine does not have eligibility criteria for the booster dose.

Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster dose calculator.

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster dose calculator.

COVID-19 vaccines for 5 – 11-year-olds.

Effective immediately, the CDC recommends:

A two-dose, primary vaccination series for everyone ages 5 years and older, regardless of a history of
symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or seropositivity. Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19
vaccine (2-doses, 10μg, IM) is recommended for children 5–11 years of age, under an Emergency Use
Authorization. COVID-19 vaccines may be administered without regard to the timing of other vaccines.
This includes simultaneous administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines on the same day.

Current or prior COVID-19 infection.

People with known current SARS-CoV-2 infection should defer vaccination at least until the person has
recovered from the acute illness (if the person had symptoms) AND they have met the criteria to discontinue
isolation.
- (Isolation and precautions can typically be discontinued 10 days after positive test if
  asymptomatic or 10 days after symptom onset and after resolution of fever for at least 24 hours)
  Serologic testing to assess for prior infection is not recommended for the purpose of vaccine
  decision-making.

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. These test kits are performed at home and sent through UPS to be tested at the State Hygenic Lab. turnaround time for results is typically 3 days (longer if sent over the weekend). These are not rapid tests. 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.