Story County Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Update:
COVID-19 vaccines are now available for people 6 months and older.
If you still need a vaccine, please contact a local clinic or pharmacy.
Story County Public Health is providing vaccines to the public as well. Call 1-800-945-8563 to make an appointment. Or use the online schedule below.
To schedule an appointment at McFarland Clinic, visit https://www.mcfarlandclinic.com/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine
Novavax Vaccine
Story County Public Health will now administer the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine is not an mRNA vaccine - it is a protein subunit vaccine (this type of vaccine has been used for decades). This primary series is for previously unvaccinated people ages 18 and older. It is 2 doses, given 3-8 weeks apart. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should also receive 2 doses, given 3 weeks apart (a 3rd primary dose is not currently authorized). Novavax vaccine is not authorized for use as a booster dose.
Booster Shots
Booster Shots are now recommended by the CDC for all individuals aged 12 and over that received the primary series. Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with variants may decrease over time and due to changes in variants.
Those age 18 and older may now choose which COVID-19 vaccine to receive as a booster shot. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. Pfizer or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferred. Learn when individuals are eligible for a booster.
Third Dose
Third doses have been approved for certain immunocompromised individuals. This third dose is for immunocompromised individuals who have received either the Pfizer or Moderna two dose series. This third dose can be received 28 days after the second dose. Currently, the third dose recommendation only applies to mRNA vaccines, and does not include Johnson and Johnson. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised people.
COVID-19 Vaccine Online Scheduling
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility:
You are NOT eligible to receive the vaccine at this time if you:
- Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Are currently in quarantine for COVID-19 because of a recent exposure or close contact
- Have been treated with convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 in the past 90 days
Step 2: Schedule your appointment:
- If you have an existing MyChart account, you can complete the scheduling of the appointment by logging into MyChart when offered the option.
- If you do not have an existing MyChart account, you may schedule by selecting to continue as a guest.
- You must be 12 years of age to receive the Pfizer vaccine and 18 years of age to receive the Moderna vaccine per the FDA. If under 18 (Pfizer only), a parental consent will need to be completed.
- If applicable, your second dose will be scheduled on site when you receive your first dose.
Step 3: Important appointment information:
- Arrive on-time to your scheduled appointment (not early) to complete the registration process. Please bring a form of identification to validate your eligibility.
- Vaccines are administered by Story County Public Health at no charge. The clinic is located at 1114 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010.
- Plan to remain at the clinic for at least an additional 15 minutes after your appointment time.
If you are not seeing appointments when they are scheduled to be open:
The scheduling system may be experiencing a high volume of requests, you may have a cookie causing an issue, or your web browser may be cached. In this case, try another browser, use incognito mode, or try holding shift and refreshing the page. You may also call Story County Public Health at 1-800-945-8563 to schedule an appointment.
