COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Updated June 27, 2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Young Children
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized emergency use of vaccine for the children ages six months and older. For children between the ages of six months and four years, the Pfizer vaccination, which is what Clay County Public Health has available, is a three-dose series. Clay County Public Health is scheduling appointments during their routine child wellness immunization clinics on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Contact public health at (712) 264-6380 to schedule.
Additional Booster Recommended
On March 29, the CDC announced expanded eligibility for additional COVID-19 booster vaccinations for certain individuals who may be a greater risk of complications from COVID.
The CDC recommends certain immunocompromised individuals (visit with your doctor to determine if right for you) and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose and at least four months has transpired since the most recent MRNA booster dose.
Boosters are available through Clay County Public Health or your local pharmacy. To schedule online with Clay County Public Health, use this link: COVID-19 Vaccination Scheduling
COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Opportunities
- Vaccinations will be given at Clay County Public Health, located on the 2nd floor of Avera Medical Group Spencer Clinic, 116 East 11th Street in Spencer.
MODERNA vaccine is available for adults 18 years of age and over. To schedule your vaccination appointment for a Moderna vaccination, please use our Online Scheduling Link or call Public Health at (712) 264-6380.
PFIZER vaccine is available for children 5-17 years of age. Call the public health immunization line for an appointment: (712) 264-6685.
You are welcome to receive your 1st, 2nd, or booster dose at these clinics.
- Public health is also working with employers in the county to offer worksite opportunities. If you'd like public health to come to your worksite, please contact public health at (712) 264-6380.
- Patients of Avera Medical Group Spencer are encouraged to ask their physician about getting vaccination during their appointment. Please contact Avera Medical Group Spencer at (712) 264-3500 to schedule an appointment.
- Check with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider regarding other options to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination. The national Vaccine Finder site can help locate which locations have the type of vaccine you're seeking.
When I am scheduled to be vaccinated, what will I need to do?
- Please print and complete the vaccine consent form for your first dose, available here:
- Bring your driver's license or ID which shows your date of birth
- If you are eligible to be vaccinated because of your occupation, please bring proof of employment, such as an employee ID
- Plan on 20-30 minutes for your appointment as you will be observed for 15 minutes after your vaccination. Please be on time (not early or late) as appointments are designed to allow for social distancing. Wear a mask to your appointment.
Other Vaccination Appointment Opportunities
Area healthcare partners may be offering vaccination opportunities. Check with your pharmacy or clinic to determine if vaccine is available:
COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs
CDC recommends everyone ages 5 years and older receive 1 booster after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. The CDC recommends adults ages 50 years and older and some people ages 12 years and older who are immunocompromised can receive two boosters. For more information, please follow this link: Who Can Get a COVID-19 Booster
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized emergency use of vaccine for the children ages six months and older. For children between the ages of six months and four years, the Pfizer vaccination, which is what Clay County Public Health has available, is a three-dose series. Clay County Public Health is scheduling appointments during their routine child wellness immunization clinics on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Contact public health at (712) 264-6380 to schedule.
The Pfizer vaccine for children ages 6 months – 4 years old are administered in a three-dose primary series, and children ages 5 - 17 years old are administered in a two-dose primary series. More information about the COVID-19 vaccines for children is available from the CDC: COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Children and Teens
For the vaccine information fact sheet for recipients and caregivers about the the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in children ages 5-11: Pfizer Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients 5-11 Years Old
People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and may not build the same level of immunity to 2-dose vaccine series compared to people who are not immunocompromised. The CDC recommends a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine for people who are immune compromised to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine.
For more information on who should receive a third dose of vaccine and why, details are available on this CDC page: COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People
Learn more about what health experts have learned about how COVID-19 impacts those who are pregnant, and also learn about recommendations for vaccination if pregnant, or considering pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. Here's the most recent (Dec. 6, 2021) information from the CDC: COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
The most common side effects are pain/redness at the injection site. Some people also may experience headache, fatigue, muscle/joint aches, and low-grade fever. Most side effects last less than 24 hours, although the arm in which you receive the injection may be tender for a few days. It's estimated 10-15 percent of those who receive the vaccine experience side effects in addition to injection-site tenderness. You will have the option to sign up for a national database for reporting side effects: V-Safe Information Sheet Also, here's information on what to expect after being vaccinated: What to Expect After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) announced on May 16, 2021 that individuals that are fully vaccinated can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine - Is a two-dose vaccine with doses given 28 days apart or greater. Currently, Moderna is approved for anyone age 18 or older. For more information about the Moderna Vaccine - Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine - Pfizer is also a two-dose vaccine, which doses given 21 days or greater apart. Pfizer is approved for those ages 5 and older. For more information about the Pfizer Vaccine - Pfizer Fact Sheet 5-11 or Pfizer Fact Sheet 12 and Older
At this time, only the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are available with Clay County Public Health.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) routinely updates its list of frequently asked questions and answers, with new information being added when confirmed. Click here for answers to many commonly asked questions: CDC - Frequently Asked Questions
10 Reasons to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19