April 25, 2024

Greater Regional and Union County Public Health announce Phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccine

A vile of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is displayed on a table at the Bureau Country Fairgrounds in Princeton on Saturday Jan. 16. (Scott Anderson)

Greater Regional Health and Union County Public Health announced the distribution of Phase 1b will start in the next few weeks. Greater Regional Health and Union County Public Health follows the recommendations from the Iowa Department of Public Health and CDC for distribution of Phase 1b.

Phase 1b in order of priority will go through five tiers. Tier 1 will include first responders (firefighters, police officers, and child welfare social workers).

Tier 2 includes food, agriculture distribution and manufacturing workers who work in or live in congregate settings that do not allow for social-distancing. Also, individuals with disabilities living in home settings and their direct care staff.

Tier 3 are staff of and individuals living in congregate settings (this does not include college dormitories). Also, government officials to ensure continuity of government including staff, engaged in state business at the Iowa capitol during the legislative session.

Tier 4 includes inspectors responsible for hospital, long-term care, and child safety. Tier 5 includes correctional facility staff and individual incarcerated.

Persons aged 65 and older are eligible for the vaccine during any tier.

Phase 1b begins within February 2021.

Organization of distribution will take time for planning and execution. Distributing the vaccine is of high importance and administrators are asking the public to understand there will be a limited numbers of vaccine doses available. However more doses are expected to come available in 2021.

When receiving the COVID-19 vaccine the participant must be aware of the following pre-vaccination checklist:

1) Are you feeling sick the day of vaccination?

2) Have you ever received a dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

3) Have you ever had a severe allergic reaction to something?

4) Have you received passive antibody therapy as a treatment for COVID-19?

5) Have you received another vaccine in the last 14 days?

6) Have you had a positive test for COVID-19?

7) Do you have a weakened immune system?

8) Do you have a bleeding disorder or taking blood thinner?

9) Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?

Everyone at Greater Regional Health and Union County Public Health appreciates the publics patience and understanding as it moves forward to Phase 1b of the vaccination process. Any questions concerning the vaccination process please refer to the CDC by going to their website and looking over the following website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations.html or by calling the CDC hotline at 1-800-232-4636.