COVID-19 vaccine available for ages 12 and up; A safer way to build protection

COVID-19 can have serious, life threatening complications and there is no way to know how it will affect anyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), clinical trials for all vaccines must first show they are safe and effective before any vaccine can be authorized or approved for use, including COVID-19 vaccines.

Getting COVID-19 may offer some protection, known as natural immunity.  Current evidence, as shared by the CDC, suggests that re-infection with the virus is uncommon in the months after initial infection, but may increase with time.  The risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. The COVID-19 vaccine, which is readily available locally, creates an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness.

Allamakee Public Health (Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care), located at 40 First Street SE in Waukon, currently has Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine available for ages 18 and older. Call 563-568-5660 to schedule an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Both Hartig Drug, 21 West Main Street, and Nightingale Pharmacy, holding clinics at the Waukon Middle School located at 1059 Third Avenue NW, both in Waukon, have vaccine available for ages 12 and older. Parental/Guardian consent is required. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.