How Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Work?
Learn about how the vaccine works within our bodies to provide immunity to the coronavirus, and how this compares with some other common vaccines.
Everyone in NE and IA age 5 and above are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. (Those age 5-17 can receive only the Pfizer vaccine.)
Most CHI Health Clinic primary care locations in the Omaha metro area, Lincoln and Kearney are offering the COVID-19 vaccine. Please call your preferred clinic location to schedule an appointment.
Local health departments decide when different groups are eligible to receive a vaccine. Vaccine distribution is owned by the states and local health departments.
The FDA issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in December 2020. An EUA for the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine was issued in February 2021. State Guidelines (Nebraska). State guidelines (Iowa).
The FDA has amended the EUA for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary series.
For those who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are now also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Read more about the booster recommendations and FAQs.
To receive a booster dose, please visit your provider or check vaccine availability in your community at https://www.vaccines.gov/ or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
See an up-to-date PDF of all the most common questions around the COVID-19 vaccine.
See more information around Children and the COVID-19 vaccine.
For Douglas County, visit the Douglas County Health Department or call (402) 444-3400.
For Sarpy County, visit the Sarpy/Cass Public Health website or call (402) 593-3678.
Visit the City of Lincoln Health Department website for vaccine information.
Visit the Central District Health Department website or call (308) 385-5175 and leave your name, birthdate and phone number.
Visit the Two Rivers Public Health Department website for more information and to register.
Visit the Southeast District Health Department website or call (402) 274-3993.
Visit the Taylor County Public Health website.
For information on all other Nebraska or Iowa counties, please visit the links below:
For answers to general questions about getting a vaccine at VA, read the VA FAQs. If you don’t find your answer there, call MyVA411 main information line at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).