COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Local vaccine providers are working to make sure you receive your vaccine and will be patient in this process. A scammer may not be! Local vaccine providers are reaching out to eligible patients in multiple ways. This includes by mail, phone, text, email, or messaging such as MyChart to offer appointments. Our local area agency on aging reported a scam in Iowa where someone calls to offer older Iowans the opportunity to buy a ticket to guarantee a space on the waiting list. The FBI has also warned the public to be aware of activities that indicate fraudulent activity. Learn more.

Avoiding Scams: Dos and Don'ts

Dos 

• Do consult with your provider or LCPH to learn up-to-date vaccine distribution channels and only receive information from valid sources like the CDC and FDA. 
• Do be cautious when clicking links you receive in text messages or email messages. 
• Do hang up the phone if you are suspicious the person on the other end is facilitating a scam.

Don’ts

• Don’t share personal or financial information if someone solicits you via phone, text, email, social media, or comes to your door promising access to the vaccine for a fee. You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine or pay to get early access to a vaccine.
• Don’t open an email attachment if you are not sure what it is.

Vaccine Providers Will

• contact current patients who are eligible to be vaccinated
• verify your age and date of birth
• ask for your Medicare number, if applicable
• ask for insurance information
• NEVER ask for your credit card number or bank information

It is possible a vaccine provider will need to verify your social security number, leave a message, or send an email asking you to contact them.

COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation

Stick With Trusted Sources Misinformation - and disinformation - about COVID-19 vaccines is out there. Think before you share! Inaccurate information spreads widely and at speed, making it more difficult for the public to identify verified facts and advice from trusted sources. Here is how to spot it and where to go for accurate information on COVID-19 vaccine.  Centers for Disease Control and Preventon Iowa Department of Public Health Common COVID-19 Vaccine Myths The government is collecting my DNA: FALSE The government is injecting a tracking device: FALSE

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety 

The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is a top priority while federal partners work to make COVID-19 vaccines available. Learn more