July 16, 2021
Spread the word: 13 DAYS left (through July 29, 2021) to receive an initial COVID-19 vaccination dose and be automatically entered into a drawing to receive a $500 gift card basket. The recipient must be a Black Hawk County resident and have a current Black Hawk County address listed in the Iowa Immunization Registry Information System(IRIS). Please see the Black Hawk County Public Health website for complete rules.
I am urging all Americans to help slow the spread of health misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Health misinformation is a serious threat to public health. It can cause confusion, sow mistrust, harm people’s health, and undermine public health efforts. Limiting the spread of health misinformation is a moral and civic imperative that will require a whole-of-society effort. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, July 15, 2021
In the report, Building a Healthy Information Environment, the Surgeon General shares these tips to combat misinformation:
· Learn how to identify and avoid sharing misinformation. When many of us share misinformation,we don’t do it intentionally. We are trying to inform others and don’t realize the information is false. If you aren’t sure, don’t share.
· Engage with your friends and family on the problem of health misinformation. If someone you care about has a misperception, first seek to understand instead of passing judgement. Establish common ground, listen with empathy and don’t expect success from one conversation.
· Address health misinformation in your community. Work with local leaders to develop strategies like inviting local health professionals to schools or faith congregations to talk about vaccine facts.
COVID-19 vaccines are available through walk-in clinics, primary care appointments and retail pharmacies for Iowans age 12+. Visit our vaccine information page for more information. The UnityPoint Health mobile vaccine clinic will provide COVID-19 vaccines for individuals who are homebound or have difficulties accessing vaccine locations. Please call 319-226-2600 to schedule.
BLACK HAWK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Walk-In Vaccine available 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday, 1407 Independence Avenue, 5th Floor, Waterloo
COVID-19 Hotline: 319-292-2360, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
MERCYONE
Walk-in Locations and Online Scheduling
319-272-1111, scheduling hours vary, please listen to recorded message for updated times
PEOPLES COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC
319-874-3000, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
UNITYPOINT HEALTH
Walk-in Clinics and Online Scheduling
319-226-2600, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday
BLACK HAWK COUNTY PHARMACIES
Most pharmacies in Black Hawk County are now offering the COVID-19 vaccine on a walk-in basis. Visit the Black Hawk County Public Health Vaccination website for links.