COVID-19 Vaccine Information - Genesis Health System

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Learn more about vaccines, their safety, and their availability.

Learn more about the vaccines and how they work
Vaccines are safe--here's how we know
Can I get the vaccine? Latest update here

When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Because the supply of COVID-19 vaccine is currently limited, state and local health departments determine who should be vaccinated first, based on guidance from the CDC.

  • Genesis gets its vaccine allocations from local health departments, which receive direction and vaccine from the states of Iowa and Illinois.

  • Currently, vaccination is underway for group 1A, which is health care workers and long-term care residents and staff began January 15 in Iowa and January 16 in Illinois. This population is nearly complete for those who requested vaccine, however the 1A group can still schedule to get a vaccine with employer or health departments.

  • Next up is the 1B Priority Group
    • Vaccinations for the 1B group have begun in Illinois for residents age 65 and above and a long list of essential workers, ranging from police and firefighters to teachers and daycare providers. For more information visit the Rock Island County Health Department website.

    • Iowa will begin vaccinations on February 1. 1B in Iowa will also be for those 65 and above along with population vulnerable to high risk of exposure or severity of illness. Learn more here. People in the 1B group do NOT need to get on a list or do anything at this point. For more information visit the Scott County Health Department website.

Get the latest information.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information from the Iowa Department of Health

Is the vaccine safe?

The vaccines currently available have gone through a rigorous testing process and analysis that is used for every vaccine to be sure that each vaccine is effective and safe.

Vaccines are safe--here's how we know

What does a COVID-19 Vaccine do?

The vaccine does not contain live or dead virus. It contains genetic material called mRNA. It is synthetic mRNA made in the laboratory. It contains instructions for a protein known as S protein.

This mRNA is enclosed in a lipid envelope in the vaccine. Once the vaccine is given, it is taken up by cells. Inside the cytoplasm, mRNA is released from its envelope. Then mRNA makes S protein. This S protein then incites immune response from body. The vaccine recipient makes antibody against this S protein which helps build immunity against COVID-19.

Learn more about the vaccines and how they work

When might I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines are being made available in phases, based on guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Learn about who will get the vaccines first, how the phases of availability are being decided, and what you can do to find out when you might expect to be eligible to get vaccinated.

Can I get the vaccine? Latest update here

It Starts With One, COVID-19 Vaccine Stories