Following the emergency use authorization of both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the Iowa Department of Public Health is partnering with county public health departments to begin vaccinating Iowans. Both vaccines are currently being administered in Iowa to the Phase 1A priority populations of health care personnel and long-term care residents and staff.
As more vaccines become available, Iowa’s Infectious Disease Advisory Council will review guidance issued by the CDC’s advisory group the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices to further prioritize populations to receive the vaccine in Iowa. IDAC is currently reviewing ACIP recommendations for Phase 1B and 1C priority populations.
Union County Public Health Nurse Robin Sevier stated:
“Union County Public Health is working with facilities in our county to allocate vaccine doses to the Phase 1A priority populations. Union County Public Health will continue to provide updates for other priority populations as we receive additional allocations of vaccine. While right now, the vaccine is being made available to the priority populations, it is anticipated that by mid-2021, there should be enough vaccine for anyone who wants to receive it.
Union County Public Health is not taking names to be placed on a wait list for the vaccine. Please look for more information to come in the following weeks about vaccinating the public when the IDAC advises for that phase.”
Until vaccine is widely available to all, it is critical that Iowans continue to follow all of the CDC social distancing as they have been doing, as well as following all other recommended health guidelines.
For information and updates relating to COVID-19 visit idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/Vaccine.