JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to defend yourself against both the Alpha variant and Delta variant according to local health officials.

Central Valley Health Unit Administrator Robin Iszler says at this time, they’re seeing a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases in the county due to the more contagious Delta variant of the virus.

Iszler says with concerns of the new variant on the rise, the vaccine does work against the Delta variant of COVID-19.

Another common question that Central Valley Health receives on the vaccine is the side effects, which she says are minimal compared to the COVID-19 virus.

To date, more than 184.4 million people are vaccinated in the US with one or more doses. She also encouraged anyone who may have already contracted the virus to still get vaccinated.

Iszler says it is not possible to get COVID from the vaccine or spread COVID from the vaccine.

Clinics continue through August for vaccinations in Stutsman County. The North Dakota Department of Health is also hosting pop-up vaccination clinics in Jamestown including one Wednesdays from 12 PM to 7 PM at S&R Truck Plaza. There are planned vaccination clinics at area schools for back to school.

Iszler says they’re working to offer vaccinations at the upcoming UJ Block Party too. COVID testing is also available from 11 AM to 12 PM at the Jamestown Civic Center.

Visit centralvalleyhealth.org for more information.

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