Like most of the country, Iowa has experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in recent weeks.

Because of the success of our vaccine campaign, current numbers are a fraction of what they were in November 2020, when the state experienced its highest level of virus activity. 

Today, the FDA authorized full approval for one COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announces expanded funding of 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count!, which began in 2017 in Iowa. Five new communities will receive grants, while eleven communities currently funded for the initiative will receive additional grants.

The funded communities will work to create policies and environments that support healthy choices by implementing evidence-based strategies for healthy eating and active living in communities, schools, childcare and out-of-school programs, health care practices and workplaces.  

This week, Test Iowa, the state’s free COVID-19 testing program will transition from offering COVID-19 testing at drive through locations throughout the state to providing Iowans access to free, self-administered test kits. Since launching in April of 2020, Test Iowa has processed over 540,000 PCR COVID-19 tests. 

Effective today, July 1, a new Iowa law requires an owner or operator of a public water supply system to notify consumers served by the system at least ninety days prior to taking any action to permanently discontinue fluoridation of its water supply. The public water supply must also provide notice to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). A link to the legislation can be found here.

Community water fluoridation is the precise adjustment of natural fluoride levels to the optimal level of 0.7 mg/L to prevent cavities. Some benefits of community water fluoridation include: 

• A cost-effective and efficient way to prevent and reduce tooth decay.
• For every $1 spent on community water fluoridation, $38 in dental treatment costs are saved.
• Reduction in cavities by at least 25% in both children and adults. 
• A lifetime of cavity prevention regardless of age, income, or education.

“This law will allow for consumers’ awareness of the status of fluoridation in their water supply to ensure they are receiving the needed amount of fluoride to prevent cavities,” said Dr. Bob Russell, Dental Director, Bureau of Oral and Health Delivery Systems. “We continue to support community water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and equitable way to achieve optimal oral health of a population.”

The IDPH Bureau of Oral and Health Delivery Systems monitors the fluoride levels of Iowa communities and provides information, education, and assistance to water supply professionals, health care professionals, and the public. To see the fluoridation status of Iowa counties and towns, visit My Water’s Fluoride.

Any questions related to this law should be directed to Maddie Wilcox, IDPH Legislative Liaison & Policy Advisor, maddie.wilcox@idph.iowa.gov.