COVID-19 Vaccine Information

What you need to know:

• Your safety is our number one concern.
  • We will only administer vaccines that are recommended by the FDA as safe and effective.
• The vaccine is not yet available to the general public.
  • Initial supply of the vaccine is limited. Federal guidelines indicate that first responders, people in long-term care centers and other similar facilities, and health care workers should receive the vaccines first.
• Stay Vigilant to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
  • Now and after you receive the COVID-19 vaccine, it is extremely important that you continue to follow CDC guidelines. Getting a vaccine and continuing to take preventative measures such as washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering in public, and following physical distancing guidelines and government quarantine directives in your area, will help stop the spread of COVID-19.

FAQs

When will the vaccine be available?

The FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the first COVID vaccine. We do not know exactly how soon everyone will get the vaccine, but we can tell you the order of prioritization as we follow state guidelines.  State Guidelines (Nebraska).  State guidelines (Iowa).

• Phase 1A, which is currently underway, is for health care personnel, long-term care residents and staff.
• Phase 1B now includes individuals 65 and older (still 75 and older for Iowa), those who are at high-risk for severe COVID-19, as well as workers in critical industries who are unable to work remotely. The high-risk group will include those with medical conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as increasing the risk for severe COVID-19.
• Phase 1C will be vulnerable populations including the homeless and disabled and those in large settings like prisons and colleges.
• Phase 2 will be all others.

Is the vaccine safe?

At CommonSpirit Health, safety is our priority, and we only administer vaccines that are recommended by the FDA as safe and effective.

When can I get the vaccine?

Initial supply of a COVID-19 vaccine may be limited, and federal guidelines indicate that health care workers should be among the first to get the vaccine in order to ensure health systems are able to continue to provide care through the pandemic and beyond. Additionally, first responders and employees and patients in long-term care centers and other similar facilities will also likely receive the vaccines first, when they are available. We expect that vaccines may be widely available by spring or summer 2021.

Where can I get the vaccine?

Please check back to this page for updates on how to schedule to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as they become available.

How is the vaccine given?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, administered three or four weeks apart. When a vaccine is given, information will be provided about when to get the second dose.

Where can I get more information about the vaccine?

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, Frequently Asked Questions are available on the CDC website and FDA website.

Also visit the DHHS website for local information in Nebraska, or the IDPH website for information in Iowa.