COVID-19 booster shots available for anyone at Allamakee Public Health
COVID-19 Test Iowa Kits available ... COVID-19 Test Iowa Kits, like the one pictured above, are still available free of charge at the main reception desk at Veterans Memorial Hospital. These kits collect saliva, then the kit is sent in free of charge via UPS. All instructions are clearly included in the kit with a phone number to call if you have any questions. These Test Iowa Kits are available at the hospital from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends and holidays. Submitted photo.
Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care/Allamakee County Public Health continue to hold Friday vaccine clinics for COVID-19 booster immunizations. The COVID-19 booster dose is now available for anyone who wishes to receive it, ages five and up, as long as it has been at least six months since their last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone will need to wear a mask and bring along any insurance cards. Also bring along your vaccination card for updating.
General immunizations and flu shots are available the first and third Wednesday of each month between the hours of 1:30-5:30 p.m. by appointment only. Make an appointment for these clinics by calling 563-568-5660. COVID-19 vaccine is also available at the Waukon Gundersen Clinic, Hartig Drug, Nightingale Pharmacy and the Veterans Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic.
Test Iowa Kits at VMH
Test Iowa Kits are still available free of charge at the main reception desk at Veterans Memorial Hospital. With these kits you collect your saliva and send the test in free of charge via UPS. All instructions are clearly included in the kit with a phone number to call if you have any questions. The Test Iowa Kits are available at the hospital from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends and holidays.
Over the counter test kits can be purchased at all local pharmacies. These have immediate, rapid results; however this is an unverified form of testing and no work excuses can be given based on these results.
The Emergency Room is always an option for anyone suffering from COVID-19 symptoms and needs to be seen. However, patients cannot just be tested in the ER. They must be experiencing serious symptoms in order to qualify for a test.
According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. The risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. COVID-19 can have serious, life threatening complications and there is no way to know how it will affect anyone. The COVID-19 vaccine, which is readily available locally, creates an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness.
Allamakee County Public Health does have a good supply of vaccine and is highly encouraging everyone to receive it. Watch the Veterans Memorial Hospital website at www.veteransmemorialhospital.com and the Veterans Memorial Hospital Facebook page for upcoming clinic details.
