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JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the issue of misinformation has followed.

Vaccination efforts continue nationwide and statewide. Locally in Stutsman County, more than 13,000 residents have received a first dose of the vaccine.

Central Valley Health Unit Administrator Robin Iszler says the vaccine has been opened to all who want to receive it. As those efforts continue, the effort of cracking down on misinformation has also been a focus for the health unit.

One common misconception is avoiding the vaccine and opting to get the virus instead.

Others include:

·Should I be vaccinated if I had COVID? Yes. Vaccination can offer protection from re-infection. You can wait for 90 days following a positive COVID test if you would like. Vaccination can prevent you from transmitting the disease to others.

·Are there serious risks to vaccinations? No. While very uncommon, anaphylactic reactions have occurred following the vaccination, which is why is it requested to remain on site for monitoring following an injection. Over 167 million doses have been administered worldwide with very few serious reactions.

·Does the COVID vaccine cause infertility? No. This is a false claim and there is no evidence that COVID vaccine can lead to infertility. Information about this false claim can be reviewed in a NDDOH document found on the CVHD website at https://bit.ly/2OxXmVs.

Vaccination efforts will continue in Stutsman County. Director of Health Promotions Shannon Klatt says they’ll begin transitioning their clinics to their offices from the Jamestown Civic Center as time goes on.

Klatt says those who don’t have internet accessibility are more than welcome to walk-in or call 701-252-8130.

Iszler added that it’s also important to continue safety practices such as wearing a mask and maintaining social distance as the county sees a small spike in cases as of late.

For more information from a local source, contact Central Valley Health by visiting centralvalleyhealth.org.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Robin Iszler and Shannon Klatt below: