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1. What types of careers does the Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC) offer?

We offer a variety of career options, from health care to administration. Common areas in which we employ are: community development, environmental health, health policy and planning, office support, human resources, quality improvement, IT, nutrition, nursing, dental, epidemiology, emergency planning and more.

2. Do I have to submit a completed application if I'm submitting a resume?

Yes, a completed CCPHC application is required to be considered for an open position. Resumes will not be substituted for a completed application.

3. Does there have to be an open position for me to apply?

Yes, applications are only accepted for current postings.

4. Am I required to submit a separate application for each job I want to apply for?

Yes, a separate application must be submitted for each open position.

5. What next steps should I take once my application is submitted?

You will be contacted by the applicable hiring supervisor for next steps.

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1. Are the available COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective?

Yes, the vaccines were tested on tens of thousands of people and have passed safety requirements in Phase I, Phase II and Phase III trials. For more information, visit the trustworthy sources below for in-depth and accurate information about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

• COVID Vaccine Facts (Missouri Dept. of Health & Senior Services)
• Ensuring the Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States (CDC)
• Ensuring COVID-19 Vaccines Work (CDC)
• COVID-19 Vaccines (FDA)

2. Is it safe to get my child vaccinated?

At this time, Pfizer’s vaccine has been authorized for emergency use to vaccinate those aged 12 and up.

The Moderna and J&J vaccines have only been authorized to vaccinate those ages 18 and up.

Young children who get COVID-19 typically have less severe symptoms than adults. However, kids can pass COVID infection along to adults, and vaccination can help to prevent transmission. Children who have COVID infection also have a small risk for a more serious complication called multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C. Preventing COVID can also prevent MIS-C.

3. Is it safe to get vaccinated if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Please visit CDC's COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding for updated information to help you make your decision.

4. How was the vaccine developed so quickly?

• In developing a vaccine for COVID-19, researchers had to work quickly, but not at the risk of anyone’s safety. Researchers did not cut any corners or skip any steps. Safety and effectiveness were the top priorities. 
• The accelerated timeline for developing COVID-19 vaccines was possible for several reasons: 
  • Researchers were able to use years of previous research in other viruses and vaccines to help inform a vaccine development process for COVID-19. 
  • Everyone involved dedicated all their resources and time to developing a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations. 
  • Many governments around the world, including the U.S. government, and private funders invested in the vaccine, which allowed pharmaceutical companies to focus on research and clinical trials instead of fundraising, one of the most time-consuming parts of vaccine development. 
  • Finally, because of the financial support, researchers were able to conduct different parts of the development process on parallel tracks instead of one after another. Usually, each phase in a clinical trial ends before the next phase begins, with several months to a year or more in between each phase. Vaccine developers use this time to plan and raise money. Because of the emergency presented by the pandemic, researchers developed the vaccines on parallel tracks, meaning that they completed the necessary steps at the same time or with some overlap. No steps were skipped in the process of developing the COVID-19 vaccines.

5. What ingredients are used in the vaccines?

The ingredients used in the mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna are simple. They contain mRNA, as well as lipids to ensure safe delivery of the mRNA that will initiate an immune response.

Ingredients of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine include: recombinant, replication-incompetent adenovirus type 26 expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, citric acid monohydrate, trisodium citrate dihydrate, ethanol, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBCD), polysorbate-80, sodium chloride.

Although FDA approved adjuvants (aluminum salts) and preservatives (ethlymercury) have a history of safe use in vaccines, they were not used by Pfizer, Moderna or Janssen.

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6. What are the possible side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Among vaccine recipients during the Pfizer clinical trials, 8.8% reported experiencing any reaction they considered to interfere with daily activity; the most common symptoms were fatigue (4.2%), headache (2.4%), muscle pain (1.8%), chills (1.7%), and injection site pain (1.4%). Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose.

Among vaccine recipients during the Moderna clinical trials, 9.1% reported local injection site reaction and 16.5% reported side effects with the most common being including fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches and pains.

Additionally, no specific safety concerns were identified for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in subgroup analyses by age, race, ethnicity, underlying medical conditions, or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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7. Who is NOT recommended for each vaccine?

Pfizer’s vaccine is authorized for those age 12 and older. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for those 18 and older.

The vaccines are not recommended for individuals who have experienced a serious reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a prior dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of its components. For information on vaccine components, refer to the manufacturers’ package inserts from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

8. Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

9. Is Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine safe?

Yes. Following a thorough safety review, including two meetings of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that the recommended pause regarding the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume.

The two agencies have determined the following:

• Use of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine should be resumed in the United States.
• The FDA and CDC have confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.
• The FDA has determined that the available data show that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older.
• At this time, the available data suggest that the chance of TTS occurring is very low, but the FDA and CDC will remain vigilant in continuing to investigate this risk.
• Health care providers administering the vaccine and vaccine recipients or caregivers should review the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) and Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers, which have been revised to include information about the risk of this syndrome, which has occurred in a very small number of people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.

CDC’s independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met to discuss the latest data on TTS, hearing from the vaccine manufacturer Janssen and the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Technical (VaST) Subgroup, as well as a risk benefit analysis. ACIP is committed to be vigilant and responsive to additional information that could impact the risk benefit analysis of any of these vaccines. Vaccine safety monitoring will continue and any new information about TTS will be brought to ACIP as needed.

10. Does the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine require special precautions?

Yes, those who have or have a history of thrombocytopenia, who have or have a history of a low platelet count, prior surgery (cardiac, orthopedic, trauma), cardiovascular disease, oral contraceptive use or hereditary thrombophilia. 

If you experience any of the following symptoms seek medical attention right away: Shortness of breath, chest pain, leg pain or swelling, backache, persistent abdominal pain, severe and persistent headaches, visual changes or easy bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of the injection.

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1. When will the emergency order expire?

In response to updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and improvements in local case, hospitalization and vaccination rates, the Clay County Public Health Emergency Order expires Friday, May 14 at noon.

2. Are there mask requirements in Clay County?

As of May 14 at noon, the Clay County Public Health Emergency Order will no longer be in place. Masks will no longer be required indoors or outdoors unless a business, organization, or event chooses to continue to require them.

However, in accordance with CDC guidance, anyone who is not fully vaccinated should continue to take precautions such as wearing a well-fitted mask in public, staying six feet or more from those they don't live with and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

3. What are things businesses can do to keep employees and customers safe?

• Strongly encourage COVID vaccination.
• Allow employees to work from home to the maximum extent feasible.
• Require all employees and customers to wear masks or other face coverings.
• Allow employees to maintain at least six feet of distance from each other and customers as much as feasible.
• Implement sick leave policies which allow any employee who shows any signs of COVID-19 infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath) to remain home until at least 3 days after symptoms have gone.
• Send home any employee who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms while at work.
• Provide easily-accessible hand sanitizer for employees and customers. 
• Encourage employees to regularly wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Regularly disinfect commonly used surfaces such as door handles, counters, and payment terminals.
• Limit cash exchanges.

The Mid-America Regional Council has produced a guide to help businesses return to work safely. Additional information on protecting businesses and employees is available on the CDC website.

4. What are additional things restaurants, taverns, and bars can do to promote safety?

• Encourage or require all patrons to be seated while eating and/or drinking. Six-foot distancing is recommended to be maintained between different parties, as measured from back of chair to back of chair. This includes booths, which may necessitate closing off every other booth space in certain layouts.
• Encourage or require customers and employees to wear masks while not actively engaged in consuming food or beverages. This includes waiting to be seated, entering/exiting the establishment, and using restrooms or other facilities in the restaurant.
• Patrons who are exhibiting symptoms should not be allowed to dine.
• Employees who are exhibiting symptoms should not be allowed to work.
• Establishments must notify Clay County Public Health Center if any employee or customer is known to have tested positive for COVID-19.
• Require employees to wear protective face coverings at all times.
• Clean and sanitize all dining surfaces, including tables, chairs and highchairs between customers.
• Cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces like doors, door handles, service counters, restrooms and waiting areas must be completed at a minimum of every 90 minutes.
• Restaurants must adhere to all requirements set forth in the Clay County Food Code, including handwashing frequency, employee health guidelines and proper sanitization of surfaces.
• Restaurants are encouraged to emphasize carry-out and delivery services, to minimize contact among people.
• Single-service menus that can be thrown away after one use are encouraged, but if cost-prohibitive, all menus are to be cleaned and sanitized between every customer.

5. What is CCPHC currently recommending to schools and early childcare?

Please visit our School Guidance page for the latest updates and recommendations from public health.

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1. What is health?

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

2. What is public health?

Public health is the science and art of preventing disease and injuries, prolonging life and promoting physical and mental health and efficiency through organized community efforts. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

3. What is a public health emergency?

A public health emergency is a situation whose health consequences have the potential to overwhelm routine community capabilities to address them. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

4. What are some emergency preparedness initiatives in Clay County?

The City Readiness Initiative (CRI): The CRI is a program designed for major U.S. cities and metropolitan areas such as Kansas City to effectively and efficiently respond to a large scale bioterrorist event by dispensing prophylaxis to the entire identified populations within 48 hours of the decision to do so.

The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program: The PHEP program addresses the strategic national stockpile (SNS) plan to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies in all counties.

Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

5. What are the specific risks for the citizens in Clay County?

Clay County populations are vulnerable to pandemics, outbreaks of novel communicable diseases, bioterrorist attacks, chemical incidents and natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods, severe weather and earthquakes. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

6. What is an open Point of Dispensing (POD) site?

An open POD site is a clinic setup and run by the Clay County Public Health Center to provide life-saving medications to the general population in the event of a public health emergency. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

7. What is a closed POD site?

A closed POD is a private location where SNS medications are dispensed free of charge to the organization's employees and/or family members and others for which the organization is responsible for. A closed POD is not intended to serve SNS medical countermeasures to the general public. Please call 816-595-4200 for more information.

8. Does the Clay County Public Health Center recruit volunteers for emergency preparedness and response?

Yes. The Health Center maintains a database of registered medical and non-medical volunteers who wish to volunteer their services in the event of a public health emergency. To register, visit our volunteer page.

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1. How do I sign up for a food handler or manager class?

This information is available on our food page.

2. What recommendations or resources are available for mold?

The Clay County Public Health Center does not have a mold ordinance. It is recommended that you visit the EPA or the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services for

mold assistance.

3. How do I view restaurant inspection results?

View inspection 

results online.

4. Can you provide recommendations on septic installers and soil evaluators?

The Missouri Department of Health and Human Services keeps a list of licensed installers and soil evaluators.

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1. Am I eligible to get a COVID vaccine right now?

Yes. Every Missourian 12 years and older* can receive a COVID vaccine at this time.

*Please note that 12-17 year olds can only receive the Pfizer vaccine at this time.

2. Where can I get a vaccine? Who is administering the COVID-19 vaccines?

Many different kinds of organizations have qualified to be vaccinators in Missouri. These include hospitals, health departments, pharmacies, large employers and more. You may also wish to check with your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or employer to see if they plan to offer the vaccine at any point.

You can visit our Where to Get Vaccinated page for a list of local options.

3. Does Clay County Public Health Center offer COVID vaccines?

Yes, you can make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment with our clinic via the Where to Get Vaccinated page.

Clay County Public Health Center has been providing the COVID-19 vaccine since Jan. 11, 2021. CCPHC was also part of Operation Safe, a community effort to vaccinate Missourians at a clinic at Cerner's North Kansas City campus.

4. How much does it cost to get vaccinated?

Getting a COVID vaccine is FREE for everyone.

No person can be billed for the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine providers may charge an administration fee to insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, if have any of those. If you do not have any of those, you are still able to get vaccinated for free.

5. I have more questions about COVID vaccines. Where can I find more info?

Check out these pages from other reliable health organizations:

• Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
• FDA
• CDC
• Liberty Hospital
• North Kansas City Hospital & Meritas Health
• The University of Kansas Health Center
• Truman Medical Center (En Español)
• Kansas City, Missouri Health Department
  
  
  

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1. Do I need to get vaccinated if I’ve already had COVID-19?

Yes. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 because you can catch it more than once.  While you may have some short-term antibody protection after recovering from COVID-19, we don’t know how long this protection lasts.

2. Can I stop wearing a mask and following public health protocols if I am vaccinated?

Please see CDC's guidance for When You've Been Fully Vaccinated.

3. After getting vaccinated, do I still need to quarantine after possible exposures?

If you are fully vaccinated (two weeks since your final dose), you do not have to quarantine after being in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. You must have also been vaccinated within the last three months and show no symptoms.

When You've Been Fully Vaccinated (CDC)

4. Can I still catch COVID after being vaccinated? Can I still spread COVID after being vaccinated?

Yes. It is still possible to contract COVID-19, with these cases being known as "breakthrough cases." Although the vaccine is highly effective at preventing COVID-19, is not 100% effective. There is some evidence that vaccination may make illness less severe for those who are vaccinated and still get sick.

If you've been vaccinated, you should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.

You may choose to continue to wear masks and practicing physical distancing, even after you have been vaccinated. Learn more about After You've Been Fully Vaccinated.

5. After I’ve gotten vaccinated, how long will it take to get immunity?

If it has been less than two weeks since your final dose of COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of your age, you are NOT considered fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both require two doses of the vaccine to reach maximum effectiveness. Even after receiving your second dose, you will not be immediately protected from COVID-19. Studies show that it takes about one to two weeks after your last dose for your body to be able to protect itself against illness.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine takes about two weeks after your first and only dose.

6. Will I still be protected if I only get one dose? Why is important to get the second dose?

If you received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for your first dose, it is very important to get both doses of the vaccine so that your body develops enough antibodies to fight the COVID-19 virus if you get infected in the future.

It is also very important that you receive the second dose of your COVID-19 vaccine on time. The time frame between the vaccine’s first and second dose is determined by the companies producing the vaccine to maximize your body’s ability to create antibodies against the virus. Many vaccinators will go ahead and schedule your appointment for your second dose while making your first appointment or during your appointment.

Getting more than one dose for a vaccine is not unusual. In fact, it’s the norm. Many routine vaccines require more than one dose for maximum protection.

7. Will I have to get vaccinated for COVID-19 every year, like the flu? How long is the vaccine effective at protecting me?

We don’t know yet – researchers will continue to collect data on study participants to determine if immunity decreases over time and if repeat vaccination is necessary.

8. If I get symptoms shortly after I’ve been vaccinated, should I get tested?

If you have symptoms shortly after receiving the vaccine, these symptoms do not mean you have gotten COVID-19 from the vaccine. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may feel like flu and may even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. For more information about symptoms after receiving the vaccine you can view the CDC’s What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine fact sheet.

9. What is community immunity or herd immunity? How many people need to get vaccinated to develop community immunity from COVID-19?

This term describes when enough people have protection - either because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated - it is unlikely a virus or bacteria can spread between people in a community and cause outbreaks of disease.

Public health experts are still learning about what percentage of a community would need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19. The percentage needed to reach herd immunity varies by disease.

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1. Do I have to make an appointment or can I just walk-in?

Our clinic hours are currently by appointment only - Monday-Thursday from 8:00 to 4:00 and Fridays 8:00 to 12:00. You can make an appointment by calling 816-595-4261.

2. How do I make an appointment?

Please call 816-595-4261 and a staff member will help you set up an appointment.

3. Do you accept Medicaid or health insurance?

We no longer accept insurance and self-pay fees will apply at the time of your visit. However, no one is denied services due to inability to pay. Call 816-595-4261 for additional details or any questions you may have. 

4. What do I need to bring for my appointment?

Please bring your photo ID, Medicaid card, if you have one, and some form of payment. Also make sure you do not go to the bathroom one hour before your appointment so we can get accurate test results. Please call 816-595-4261 for more information.

5. Is it painful to have STD testing?

No. To get GC/CT, we usually get a urine sample. To get HIV/RPR, we draw blood. Please call 816-595-4261 for more information.

6. I am worried because I had unprotected sex with someone I don't know very well last night, should I come in and get tested?

It is a very good idea to get tested; however, it is important to wait three weeks to get the most accurate results. Please call 816-595-4261 for more information.

7. I was treated at my doctor's office for Chlamydia, but my partner doesn't have a doctor. Can they come to you for treatment?

Yes. It is very important that all partners be treated if you tested positive for an STD, otherwise you can get re-infected. Please have them call 816-595-4261 as soon as possible for an appointment.

8. If I have HIV, I would have symptoms, right?

Not necessarily. HIV, along with other STDs, often don't have symptoms at all. That is why it's important to get regular testing. Please call 816-595-4261 for more information.

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1. If I want to volunteer, is experience necessary?

No experience is necessary as we have opportunities where no experience is required, and we will train you for your position. Contact our volunteer coordinator at 816-595-4200 for more information.

2. What is the process if I want to volunteer or complete and internship?

Complete an application. Applicants who are selected will be contacted by our volunteer coordinator. For more information about volunteering or completing an internship, contact our volunteer coordinator at 816-595-4200. Download an application (PDF).

3. How often do you need volunteers?

We need volunteers periodically throughout the year. You can volunteer as much or as little as you like depending on what your schedule will allow. Contact our volunteer coordinator at 816-595-4200 for more information.