As doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines make their way into Iowa counties it’s important to understand the vaccines. 

Dallas County Public Health Public Information Officer Ann Cochran says while the vaccine was developed quickly the research for a vaccine against this kind of virus has been going on for a decade. 

The vaccines are a two-shot system and Cochran says those who are vaccinated will receive a card with a date on it reminding them of when they need their second dose. Cochran says it’s important to get the second dose on time. Also, Cochran says this two-shot system relates to other vaccines in the public health world. 

“Such as when babies get vaccinated against something such as measles that’s why it’s important to finish out the whole regiment that if a baby is supposed to get a dose at two months and another dose at four months and a third dose later on. You have to follow through and do all of the doses in order to get the full protection from the disease.”