COVID-19 Vaccinations

Information on this page will be updated as it becomes available. The COVID-19 updates and resources page also is updated regularly.

IDPH graphic outlining the Phase 1B vaccine recipient populations

Statewide vaccine rollout

The Iowa Department of Public Health is coordinating the state's vaccination strategy for phased distribution. Iowa State continues to work closely with state and county public health officials to facilitate distribution plans for the campus community. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated.

Local vaccine rollout

Due to the scarcity of the vaccine and changing guidelines, it is not possible to provide an estimate of when certain individuals or groups may be able to receive their vaccine. Large-scale campus vaccine clinics will not be offered until the vaccine is available for the general public. If you are eligible to receive a vaccine as part of the state's strategy for phased distribution, we encourage you to consult with a medical provider or pharmacist about availability. Area and statewide vaccination information:

Why vaccinate?

Vaccines help prevent deadly and dangerous diseases by working with the body's natural defenses to provide immunity. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

About the COVID-19 vaccine

Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Authorized vaccines

What to expect

Reporting

  • V-safe: The CDC's smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe uses text messaging and web surveys from the CDC to check in with vaccine recipients following COVID-19 vaccination. V-safe also provides second vaccine dose reminders if needed, and follow-up calls to anyone who reports medically significant adverse events.
  • Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS): The national system that collects reports from healthcare professionals, vaccine manufacturers, and the public of adverse events that happen after vaccination; reports of adverse events that are unexpected, appear to happen more often than expected, or have unusual patterns are followed up with specific studies.

Keep up the good work

4-image graphic of Cy mascot showing right and wrong ways to wear a mask

Continue being diligent with Cyclones Care healthy habits and behaviors:

  • Wear a face covering over mouth and nose
  • Physical distance at least 6 feet from others
  • Wash hands often
  • Stay home when ill

Avoid misinformation by consulting reliable sources, including health care experts, agencies and organizations. The university is following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Iowa Department of Public Health.

Syringe with vaccination vials

Timeline

Summer 2020

  • ISU public health team participated in weekly CDC and IDPH calls with vaccine updates

September 2020

  • CDC and IDPH provided initial information regarding proposed phasing of COVID-19 vaccine
  • ISU provided initial estimates of phase 1A employees to SCPH
  • ISU vaccine workgroup began planning and building technology infrastructure for COVID-19 vaccine distribution

October 2020

  • Thielen Student Health Center approved by IDPH as an IRIS COVID-19 vaccination provider site
  • ISU secured ultra-cold freezer storage and transport cooler for vaccine

November 2020

  • Vaccine planning continued in collaboration with SCPH

December 2020

  • Dec. 11: FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID‑19 vaccine
  • Dec. 14: Using recommendations from the federal Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, IDPH finalized the phase 1A group for initial state vaccine supplies
  • Dec. 18: FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
  • Dec. 18: First doses of vaccine received and administered at TSHC for phase 1A ISU employees

January 2021

  • Jan. 8: First group of phase 1A ISU employees received second dose of COVID-19 vaccine series

February 2021

  • Feb. 1: First doses of vaccine received and administered at TSHC for phase 1B, tier 1 employees (ISU Public Safety first responders only)
  • Feb. 27: FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

     

      (CDC) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      (FDA) Food and Drug Administration
      (IDPH) Iowa Department of Public Health
      (SCPH) Story County Public Health
      (TSHC) Thielen Student Health Center