The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced last evening that, effective immediately, they recommend the Pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine series for everyone ages 5 years and older, under Emergency Use Authorization. COVID-19 vaccines may be administered without regard to timing of other vaccines. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines on the same day. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) estimates there are approximately 284,000 Iowans in this age group.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has approved the use of booster doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer booster doses were approved for use last month. Additionally, the CDC’s recommendations now allow for “mix and match” dosing for booster doses only. These approvals and recommendations are effective immediately.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) and the State Hygienic Lab (SHL) are adjusting the state’s approach to provide Iowans convenient access to free COVID-19 testing statewide. 

 The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that Monona Municipal Water Department has been awarded the 2020 Community Water Fluoridation 50 Year Award from the American Dental Association (ADA), Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for continuously adjusting and maintaining the amount of fluoride in drinking water for the prevention of tooth decay in adults and children.

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has selected the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) as 1 of 20 recipients across the country who have been awarded funding through the Closing the Gap with Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Plans.